According to the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, the badge was awarded to personnel who had "been assigned or attached to a glider or airborne unit or to the Airborne Department of the Infantry School; satisfactorily completed a course of instruction, or participated in at least one combat glider mission into enemy-held territory.

[3] In the post-World War II years, the US Army converted its remaining glider units to parachute.

Although glider units had ceased to exist, the badge was not formally rescinded until 3 May 1961; however, it remained authorized for wear by those who earned it.

[6][3] Glider training was included in the United States Army's basic Airborne course until 1949, which at that time lasted five weeks.

(Note: During World War II the term "Airborne" included parachute, glider, and air-landing units.