USAF 102nd RQS / IR Patch

USAF 102nd Rescue Squadron / IR Patch

Circa 2018

This beautiful patch was inspired in the original 102nd Observation Squadron badge from 1920's era. 

Original 1920's 102nd Observation Squadron Badge made in sterling silver by Dieges & Clust. 

The history of The 102nd Observation Squadron organized on March 22, 1921, under the command of Maj. Kenneth P.Littauer as the 102nd Squadron, 27th Division Air service, New York National Guard. The unit was redesigned the 102nd Observation Squadron on January 23, 1923. This squadron can trace its history back to a group formed by aviation enthusiasts in the NY National Guard in April 1908. They even raised $500 to buy an airplane. They became the 1st Aero Company on November 1, 1915, and became the first National Guard unit in aviation and to be pressed into federal service on July 13, 1916, for use in the Mexican Punitive Expedition. When the United States entered World War I, all National Guard aviation units were dissolved. New York's 1st Aero Company was no different and it was disbanded on May 23, 1917. The founder of the unit, Captain Raynall Cawthorne Bolling and almost all of the members of the unit left the National Guard to join the Army Signal Corps Reserve and in May 1917 founded the 1st Aero Reserve squadron. That unit was sent to France in August 1917 and designated 26th Aero Squadron. Its personnel and aircraft formed the basis for an aviation school and maintenance unit. After the war, a group of veteran pilots initiated the formation of an Aero Club, which became the 102nd. 

Photo: SSgt. J. Cerezo 

Got information about it? Got it? Want to sell or trade? Contact me below (comments) with your email address and I´ll get back to you ASAP! Thank you!