Col. Edgar S. Gorrell was named Chief Aviation Historian in December of 1918. He was tasked with writing the history of the AEF Aviation Section just after the Great War. In his writings can be found information that is not found anywhere else in publication. This history is vast and a fascinating read with many illustrations not seen before.
Many of those illustrations are of protype wings and insignia that were never authorized. Within these illustrations, English and French influence can be observed in the design of these badges and insignia. From what I gather in the text of explanation and from official records contained within the history, the prototype wings and insignia below were actually produced for review, how many will probably never be known. The text of the publications relating to these items leads me to believe that payment was made for production. Thus, there must be some examples out there that could possibly be disregarded as "fantasy" or outright fakes.
In the creation of these prototype insignia and wings, I believe the Air Service had foreseen the importance, expansion and future of aviation into its own branch eventually.
Below are just a few of the images contained within the publication. Enjoy...
I suspect this was intended for enlisted members of the Air Service, however it is not clear if it was intended to be for flying personnel.
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