U.S. Army Aviation Flight Wings (not USAAF - post 1947)

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In the area of Aviation Wings, not a lot has been mentioned about post WWII U.S. Army Flight wings. I thought I would show a few examples here and see if there were any others interested in this branch of wings collecting.                                     

 

 

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                                                                       U.S. Army Flight Wings

 

     After the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service in 1947, U.S. Army Aviation

personnel sought a new badge to recognize those qualified Army Aviators who piloted light fixed wing aircraft, liaison airplanes and helicopters. The result was the creation of the Army Aviator Badge, which is a slightly smaller ( 2.5 inches) and modified version of the U.S. Air Force Pilots Badge with upswept rather than horizontal wings. Army Flight wings were authorized in three grades: Basic Aviator for graduates of flight school, Senior Aviator with a star (for 7 years of service and 1,000 logged flight hours), and Master Aviator with star and wreath (for 15 years of service and 2,000 logged flight hours). The Army Aviator and Senior Aviator Badges were approved on 27 July 1950 and the Army Master Aviator Badge was approved on 12 February 1957.

 

     In addition to the three grades of regular Pilot flight wings are Army Astronaut wings with a distinctive separate shooting star device attached (in gold for those who have flown in space and silver for those in the space program but have not yet flown in space). There are three grades of flight surgeon wings and aircrewman or Army aviator wings. Flight surgeon wings have a caduceus in the shield of the wings and Army aircrew or aviators wings have the eagle seal of the United States Army in the shield. Army flight wings were made of Sterling Silver up to the mid 1960’s, later in 1/20th silver filled, subdued (non-reflective flat black on brass were introduced during the Vietnam War and were made mandatory for wear on the field uniform beginning 1 July 1970). Current issue Army flight wings are made of other metal alloys.

 

Army Flight wings are known to have been manufactured by the following companies:

 

Antaya Brothers Inc. marked ANTAYA GI 1/20th silver filled

Assmann & Sohne (post WWII German Insignia maker) marked A 270/71 Basic & Senior only

August C. Frank Sterling

Balfour LGB  1B* Sterling

Coro Rosenberger* 12C Sterling

Denmark D22

GEMSCO G22 Sterling

HLP Sterling

KREW* Sterling

Lordship Industries HLP L22

Metal Arts Co. Rochester NY Sterling GI

Military Post Supply M21 Sterling

NS Meyer New York Sterling CB* 22M

NS Meyer 9M pinback

OC Tanner SLC Utah* Sterling

Robbins* Sterling

SWK* sterling

Sugerman (SUSCO) S21* Sterling

Circle S Simon* Sterling

E. H. Simon Inc GI Sterling

Vanguard V21* Sterling

Volupte Inc. Circle V Sterling

Williams & Anderson 1/20th SF

Ira Green G23

T21 (post VN)

 

 

 

Unauthorized copies of wings and other US badges are being made in China. Buyer be aware!

 

There may be additional Army Flight wing manufacturers other than those listed here. If you have additional confirmed examples, please post your photos with any descriptive details. Most Army Flight wings are clutch back, but in the early 1950’s some manufacturers also produced broach pin back types.

 

 

 

 

 

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Basic Pilot wings made by Sugerman and marked S21

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Basic Flight Surgeon wings made by Williams and Anderson

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US Army Astronaut wings with gold shooting star. Awarded to those Army Pilots who have flown in space. The silver shooting star is worn by those pilots in the program who have not yet flown in space.

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These are US Army Aircrewman wings or now referred to as Aviator wings. These were made by NS Meyer.

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These are the early pin back type type as made by Vanguard. Other manufacturers also made these wings with broach pin backs.

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The German manufacturer Assmann & Sohne also made US Army flight wings as well as numerous other US Insignia. Here is a basic pilot badge made by Assmann and marked A 270/71. I have never seen a master aviator badge with Assmann markings and since the master wings were not authorized until 1957, I doubt if they did.

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These nice wings were made by LG Balfour and also have the early straight pin back. They are marked LGB Sterling

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These are Army Senior Astronaut wings wing with the silver shooting star. They are marked V21 for the maker Vanguard.

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E&H Simon made sterling aviator wings marked with a circle S as late as 1967.

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There are numerous other examples of the various makers listed above. If you are interested in this subject please post your Army flight wings so we can see them.

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One more that is uncommon: Metal Arts Company of Rochester, New York in Sterling. This is a basic Air Crewman badge.

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Fantastic and long overdue! Thanks for writing this up! Would love to see some biographical additions to this thread if anyone has some to share?

[cwnorma]

3 hours ago, rathbonemuseum.com said:

Fantastic and long overdue! Thanks for writing this up! Would love to see some biographical additions to this thread if anyone has some to share?

Agree!

 

I would love to learn how to tell Korean War era badges from Vietnam and more recent pieces.  This is wonderful new ground to plough here on the forum!

 

Chris

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        Major General Robert F. Molinelli –“Cheyenne Phantom”

Master Army Aviator

 

This is a true account about a man I personally knew and served with in combat. I was fortunate to fly with him several times and can attest to his outstanding leadership and courage. He was a Lieutenant Colonel at that time and I am honored to present his story here:

 

Robert F. Molinelli was born on June 1, 1934  in Pocatello, Idaho to Lambert F. and Stella (Townsend) Molinelli. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1952 and went on to attend Idaho State University majoring in Business earning his Bachelors Degree in 1956. He Joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) while at college and was commissioned as an Army 2nd Lieutenant of Armor.

He completed the Armor Officers Basic Course and the Army Aviation Course (Flight Class 57-15) and received his basic pilot rating from the U.S. Army in 1957.

He was initially assigned at Fort Hood, Texas to the 2nd Armored Division and a little later with Headquarters, III Corps. From 1959 to 1961 he was assigned to the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group in Iran during a much different political climate. There he served in the Aviation Section as a pilot until he became the Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of the Army Group - Iran.

He was reassigned to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he became Commander, C Troop, First Squadron, 10th Cavalry.

The Vietnam War saw the pioneering of the use of the air cavalry and armed helicopter warfare and Robert F. Molinelli would go on to distinguish himself as one of the Army's top aviators and one of the most courageous, combat helicopter pilots.

Robert F Molinelli had attained the rank of Captain at the time of his first tour of duty in Vietnam. All personal remembrances of Captain Robert F. Molinelli paint the picture of an officer and man who was highly respected and extremely well loved by those who served with him.

 

“Cobra Lead”

 

From November 1964 to November 1965 he was stationed at Vinh Long Airfield in Vinh Long, Republic of South Vietnam, where he served as Commander of the 114th Aviation Company, also known as the "Knights of the Air", Armed Helicopter Platoon, the “Cobras”. His call sign was “Cobra Lead”.

Vinh Long also served as a port for Navy Swift Boats that patrolled the rivers and canals, and while the Navy did have helicopters in the form of the HAL-3 Seawolves, the 114th Aviation Company also provided the US Navy and the South Vietnamese riverine troops with vital air support.

On September 30, 1965, he led Cobra Platoon into Dinh Tuong Province. Their orders were to provide armed air support for a large scale attempt by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam to route a battalion of Viet Cong. However when the South Vietnamese forces converged on the V.C. an intense battle ensued. Two American Advisors were seriously wounded. Numerous attempts were made to reach the two wounded US Advisors by medevac choppers but the attempts were unsuccessful due to heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. Captain Molinelli then attempted to extract the wounded himself. His first attempt was unsuccessful and his chopper took several hits. His next attempt he approached from a different direction maneuvering through the V.C. fire. He landed his damaged chopper, they loaded the wounded and took off surrounded by heavy mortar and machine gun fire being specifically directed at his gun ship. He was later awarded a 2nd Silver Star for his actions.

During his first tour in Vietnam Captain Molinelli distinguished himself as a commanding officer, solider and pilot. He was missed by many stationed with the 114th AHC when he departed in November 1965.

After a year with the 114th Aviation Company "Cobras" he was reassigned to Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. There he activated and took command of the 3rd Aviation Company where he tested the Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne, an attack helicopter developed by Lockheed for the United States Army. His work on the Cheyenne program would figure in a future assignment.

The Idaho State Journal in Pocatello, Idaho on February 18, 1966 reported that a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal for Valor were awarded to Captain Molinelli for "exceptional bravery". The awards were presented to Captain Molinelli by Major General John J. Tolson, Commanding General, Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded for:

"making repeated assaults on a well entrenched V.C. position while flying an armed helicopter in support of Vietnamese troops...When friendly forces were pinned down by heavy fire, he located and destroyed the hostile positions. His aircraft was shot down during the action and he was evacuated to his base. Then he obtained another helicopter and returned to action."

The Air Medal was awarded for:

"leading his...team through darkness to Viet Cong positions and drawing the enemy fire so the other helicopters could successfully complete their assault. He repeatedly flew through heavy fire, disregarding his own safety, until the enemy withdrew. He then rejoined his platoon and, using the same tactics, drove the Viet Cong from still another position."

The article reported that he also received military citations/awards from the South Vietnamese for bravery.

In 1966 Robert Molinellli served as a Flight Evaluation Officer at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Later in the May 12, 1966 issue of the Idaho State Journal another news article appeared, this time relating that Robert Molinelli had been awarded the Vietnamese Medal of Honor, First Class, for "leading his "Cobra" platoon in an attack against well armed and fortified Viet Cong positions." It further related that he had also been awarded the Air Medal with "V" Device for Valor, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, plus Silver and Bronze stars.

In 1968 Robert Molinelli was promoted to Major and another news article appeared in the Idaho State Journal on January 23, 1968. Major Molinelli was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where he graduated from the Command and General Staff Course. For his previous assignment at the U.S. Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker from January 1966 to July 1967, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding and exemplary meritorious service .

 

Vietnam Again - “Cheyenne Phantom”

 

In March 1970 Robert Molinelli returned to Vietnam. During this second tour he took command of the 2nd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile).The motto of the 2/17th Air Cav was “OUT FRONT”! His new call sign was “Cheyenne Phantom”.

The 2/17th Air Cav was responsible for the Division Recon Zone (DRZ). This was the area beyond the limits of most artillery and Infantry units. It went all the way to the Laotian border.

The 2/17th Cav was organized into five Troops or companies: Headquarters Troop at Camp Eagle near Hue, A Troop at Quang Tri, B Troop at Camp Eagle, C Troop at Phu Bai, and D Troop (Delta Ground) also at Camp Eagle. A,B,& C Air Cav Troops were each organized into Scout Platoons with OH-6A Light Observation helicopters or LOH known as a Loach; Gun Platoons with AH-1G Cobras and Lift Platoons with UH-1H Hueys. Hqs Troop only had Hueys that served as command and control (C&C) ships and occasionally as additional lift ships. Also included in the 2/17th Air Cav table of organization was L Company 75th Infantry (RANGERS) to complete the Division Reconnaissance Force and provide eyes on the ground to compliment the eyes in the air. L Co. Rangers were also based at Camp Eagle.

On 8 July 1970 a large concentration of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers were spotted infiltrating from the area near Khe Sanh Firebase in the northwest corner of South Vietnam. The 2/17th Air Cav went on full alert to counter this incursion. Caught in the open, the Air Cav elements destroyed an estimated NVA Battalion size enemy force. Flying Cobra gunships in close passes over the battle area Air Cavalrymen were credited with numerous confirmed kills. Delta Troop, the ground unit, was inserted to clean up the battle field.

Again Robert Molinelli appeared in the Idaho State Journal, this time in the July 14, 1970 edition. This time the story line read "Pocatello Soldier Captures Prisoner" By now Robert Molinelli had attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was 35 years old. The news article relates how Lt. Col. Molinelli took a V.C. prisoner near Khe Sanh. The article describes this incident more particularly as follows:

"He was flying his helicopter at tree-top level over the blackened scene of a lopsided victory over the enemy, according to an Associated Press dispatch, when he spotted a wounded North Vietnamese soldier hiding in a bamboo thicket. Capt. James Waddell, 23, of Beaumont, Texas, grabbed the prisoner after Molinelli lowered the helicopter to about three feet off the ground. The enemy soldier had a bad thigh wound, and offered no resistance."

 

(Authors note) I got to fly with ‘Cheyenne Phantom’ several times in his C&C bird. He flew his Huey like a loach and got it to do maneuvers that tested the very limits of helicopter aerodynamics. He was the best aviator and the finest combat leader I ever served with.

 

Beginning in January 1971,  Molinelli was a major leader in Operation Lam Son 719. Significant because this operation represented the first time a helicopter unit took on “…Soviet-made tank concentrations, Anti-Aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles and heavy ground fire. It was the first time helicopters had faced such a sophisticated threat in large numbers…”

As Squadron Commander, he “coordinated the attacks and developed the tactics that ensured the survivability of his unit’s aircraft and their crews in Vietnam.” After Lam Son 719, he was flown back to testify before Congress and he became instrumental in establishing and maintaining continued Congressional support for the Army’s new attack helicopter program.

He was selected as Army Aviator of the Year for 1970-71 and the following appeared in the Idaho State Journal on October 24, 1971:

"Lt. Col. Robert F. Molinelli...was named "Army Aviator of the Year" for 1970-71 in ceremonies at the 13th annual meeting of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) in Washington, D.C. Presenting the award was Gen. Bruce Palmer Jr., Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army...His squadron, operating out of Khe Sanh Firebase was engaged in operations across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Laotian border...providing visual reconnaissance and air support to all South Vietnamese units in Laos."

 

After brief assignment at Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, DC, he was sent to Fort Hood where he became the Executive Officer, 2nd Brigade (ACCB), 1st Cavalry Division. In June 1972 became the Division’s G3.

Commander and Statesman

From 1973 to 1974 he attended and graduated from the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. While there, he completed his Master of Science Degree in Communications at Shippensburg State College, Pennsylvania.

He then returned to Washington, DC, where he was assigned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ODCSRDA) as a Weapons System Analyst. He was then reassigned to Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans (ODCSOPS) to serve as Chief, Combat Division, Requirements Directorate.

In February 11, 1976, edition of the Idaho State Journal the following appeared:

"Lt. Col. Robert Molinelli...has been included on the list of those who will soon be promoted to Colonel."

In 1976 he worked to ensure that the new Blackhawk and Apache programs were pursued.

Next he would become Commander of the 6th Air Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat), at Fort Hood, Texas where he would train officers and enlisted men in the new Air Land Battle Doctrine. Then in 1980 he was reassigned as Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division. Promoted to Brigadier General on March 6 1981,  he was designated as Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver), 2nd Armored Division.

Robert Molinelli was an avid supporter of Army Aviation’s potential and once again he returned to Washington, DC. He would serve from 1981 to 1983 as Military Assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Tactical Warfare Programs and would then be appointed Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Tactical Warfare Programs (Acting) where he stayed until he was designated Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Tactical Warfare Programs. He also served as Executive Chairman of the U.S. Army Aviation Policy Committee. 1983 to 1984 he served as Deputy Director of Requirements/Army Aviation Officer, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, United States Army.

In early 1984 he became Commander of the U.S. Army Readiness and Mobilization Region I (ARMR I) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. With the disestablishment of ARMR I, his designation became Deputy Commanding General, First U.S. Army and Post Commander at Ft. Devens. He assumed command of Ft. Devens in 1984.

In 1985 he returned to the Pentagon where he became the Director of Combat Support Systems Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research Development and Acquisition. This was his final posting.

 

The Untimely Passing of a Hero

After a battle with lymphoma, Major General Robert F. Molinelli passed away on May 4, 1987, at Stanford University Hospital Center in Palo Alto, California where he had been receiving special medical treatment at the time of his death. Burial with full military honors took place on May 8, 1987, at Arlington National Cemetery. His final resting place is Section 5 Site 7036-LH Arlington National Cemetery. He had served 31 years in the U.S. Army at the time of his death.

 

Aviation Hall of Fame and Other Honors

1971 - Army Aviation Association of America “Aviator of the Year”

1983 – Idaho State University – Distinguished Alumnus Award

1989 - Army Aviation Hall of Fame

2009 - Idaho Aviation Hall of Fame

Major General Molinelli was posthumously awarded the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal on May 7, 1987, for his service as Assistant Deputy under the Secretary of Defense for Tactical Warfare Programs, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C.

During his two tours in Vietnam, General Molinelli was shot down nine times and attained over 2,000 hours of combat flying time.

He was one of the most highly decorated Army Aviators of the Vietnam War, earning a Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with seven oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with V device for Valor and sixty-two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Vietnamese Distinguished Service Cross, five Crosses of Gallantry with Palms, five Gold Stars, Infantry Fourragere Honor Award, two Vietnamese Medals of Honor 1st Class with Palms, and RVN Civil Action Award with Palm. He was also awarded the Army General Staff badge and the Department of Defense Staff Badge. He was a Master Army Aviator and wore those silver wings with pride.

Major General Molinelli was a pioneer in air cavalry tactics and armed helicopter integration into the combined armed force. In conflict he was a decorated hero, a bold and selfless warrior dedicated to the ideals of Duty, Honor, Country. In peace he was a patriot, statesman, man of compassion, and leader in Army Aviation. Known as a soldier, respected as an officer, and revered as a warrior, General Molinelli’s character, courage, and spirit embodied attributes the Nation seeks in its military professionals.

As a role model for Army Aviators, MG Robert F. Molinelli would be hard to top!

 

Note: This information was compiled from both open source material as well as personal experience.

 

 

 

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Here LTC Molinelli presents valor awards to Members of L Company Rangers in 1970.

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Just one more photo to add: This is an assemblage of commanders and key personnel of the 2/17th Air Cav. I recall that this photo was taken at Scabbard Pad on Camp Eagle in the late summer of 1970. In the center front is LTC Molinelli, Commander 2/17th Air Cavalry. On the far left is Captain Dave Ohle (later Lt. General Ohle) commander of L Company Rangers.

 

Note the three types of helicopters in the background: UH-1H Huey, AH-1G Cobra and OH-6A Loach.

 

On the far right is Captain Robert Thomas, commander of D Troop (Delta Ground). The others are Commanders of A, B & C Air Cav Troops. Unfortunately time has erased their names from my memory.

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Here is an example of master air crewman wings made by August C. Frank of Philadelphia, Pa.

A.C. Frank is an uncommon maker of military insignia and known for their high quality badges.

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Senior Aviator wings made by Assmann (Germany) marked A 270/71. The 2 is a bit faint on this example. I don't believe that Assmann made Master Army Aviator wings since they were not authorized until 1957.

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Just got this nice set of GEMSCO Sterling pinback flight wings in. These are from the 1950's or Korean War era I believe.

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Here is a complete set of Basic, Senior and Master Sterling NS Meyer Flight Wings. All have identical markings and all are clutch back. These wings are most likely from the Vietnam era. Production of sterling badges pretty much ceased in the mid 1960's although stocks were still available well into the 1970's.

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NS Meyer master Medical or flight surgeon wings in sterling:

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Sterling Senior Pilot Flight Wings made by Volupte with the circle "V" hallmark.

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HLP or His Lordship Products also made Army Aviator wings. Here is a Master Flight Surgeon in Sterling.