American US Army Air Force Rescue Badge

A rare item, a WWII American USAAF rescue launch award for enlisted personnel. Pin back in sterling silver, maker marker Gemsco N.Y. With the AAC logo on the front of the boat.

Measures 2 1/2” x 5/8”

Crash boats, at the time known as "aircraft rescue boats" or "air-sea rescue boats", were wooden speedboats built to rescue the crew of downed United States and other Allies aircraft during World War II. US boats came from the observation of British experience with high-speed launches during the Battle of Britain.

By the end of World War II, America had produced 300,000 planes, creating a need to have crash rescue boats stationed around the globe. These boats were fast boats used to rescue pilots, crew and passengers from downed aircraft in search and rescue and air-sea rescue missions.

Code: 58307