The first United States Aviator Badges were issued to members of the Air Service during World War I.

Enlisted Aviators wore their regular rank insignia and the Observer's badge.

The second enlisted aviator, William A. Lamkey, got a discharge and flew for Pancho Villa.

There were 60 enlisted mechanics who were trained as pilots in France during the war, but they were used for ferrying duties and did not fly in combat.

During World War II, with the rise of the Army Air Forces, a second series of aviator badges were issued to include a design that has survived to the modern day.

The U.S. Air Force currently issues several aviation badges including pilot, combat systems officer (formerly navigator), air battle manager, flight surgeon, flight nurse, non-rated officer aircrew, and enlisted aircrew.

The aviator badge currently used in the Navy has remained virtually unchanged since it was first issued on 13 November 1917.

Unlike the Air Force and the Army, the naval services do not employ senior or command/master aeronautical ratings.