U.S. Navy/Marines - Balloon Pilot
Click on the images to see a larger version and the back of the wing/badge
According to Bureau of Navigation Circular Letters 25-21 and 30-21, both dated 19 September 1921. Naval Aviation Pilots qualified as seaplane, ship-plane, or airship pilots were authorized to wear the duel wing breast insignia of Naval Aviators in gold. Naval Balloon Pilots (both free and kite balloons) would wear the same insignia but with the right wing removed.

The description first appeared in the 1922 Uniform Regulations of 20 September 1922.

Here is the full statement as it appeared in the regulations:

"Enlisted men holding certificates of qualification as balloon pilots shall wear the same insignia as is paragraph (a) but with the right wing removed." (Paragraph (a) was a description of Naval Aviators Wings.)

There were no changes made between 1922 and 1947.

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Robbins, Sterling
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Cliff Presley Collection
9/14/2010
1922 Enlisted Balloon Pilot badge
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John Vargas Collection

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1 5/8"
7/8"

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6/28/2004
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Dan DeMott Collection
4/11/2009
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H&H, STER + 1/20 10k
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Cliff Presley Collection
9/15/2010
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White Co Hallmark
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Marty Upchurch Collection
10/21/2022
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Cliff Presley Collection
4/11/2011
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Cliff Presley Collection
2/19/2011
This is a Chief Petty Officer's Airship (Lighter Than Air) Pilot badge. It was worn between the wrist and elbow on the service blue uniform. See page 51 of "Navy Wings of Gold" for more information.
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Aviation Wings and Badges of the World Wars