Prop and Wings

A stylized propeller and wings insignia was adopted in Germany prior to the outbreak of the First World War for its Fliegertruppen des deutschen Kaiserreiches (Imperial German Flying Corps), redesignated as the Luftstreitkräfte in October 1916.

It was also seen as the central image on a badge worn by a small number of designated officers and enlisted personnel at the time of German mobilization in 1914.

As worn by officers, it was embroidered in gold or silver wire and adorned with sequins on a black or light blue background.

The version of the Prop and Wings insignia with rounded wingtips is currently most closely associated with the United States Air Force Academy.

Although the standard insignia is chrome, cadets from all commissioning sources are authorized to wear a gold Prop and Wings device if they are a direct descendant of a veteran who served in the Army Air Corps, Women Air Force Service Pilots, or was a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.