AAF & USAF Crash Rescue Boat Pin Set

Early 40/50’s AAF (Army Air Force) & USAF (US Air Force) Crash Rescue Boat Pin Set (featuring AAF Patch)

These are extremely rare to find original pins from the WWII era. Probably, they’re just a few hanging around out there in other private collections. Absolutely one of the real earliest items in the history of the AAF and then the USAF made for their rescue units and of course one of the few early records in the history of the USAF Rescue military insignia we can find.

AAF (Army Air Force) Crash Rescue Boat Pin

A World War II era US Army Air Force Crash Rescue Boat is shown on this 2.5-inch pin. These boats, similar to in performance to motor torpedo boats, were used for Search & Rescue and were armed with light anti-aircraft guns. A few of the 85-foot boats were later used in the Korean War. The pin has the distinguishing AAF and Air Force wings emblem on the bow. Marked with the L.G. Balfour initials above the letter “S” (Silver).

USAF (US Air Force) Air Sea  Crash Rescue Boat Pin - Gemsco N.Y.

2 1/2 inches across in size.  "USAF" on the bow of the pin.  Maker marked on the reverse side "GEMSCO N.Y.".  Pinback with a roll locking pin catch.  The Air Force used those P.T type boats during WWII to rescue downed pilots in the oceans close to base.  Also used during Korea War, a 63 foot boat built for the Air Force under Navy contract. The aircraft-rescue boats were built by Sasgtad Shipyards.

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