Badge for Army Air Assault worn by General Colin L. Powell

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

One (1) U.S. Army Air Assault badge worn by General Colin L. Powell, earned for his successful completion of the air assault training course. The Air Assault badge was created in 1974 and was originally called Airmobile Badge. Until 1978, the badge was authorized only for wear by members of the 101st Airborne Division. The silver metal badge is depicted in the shape of bird’s wings attached to the face and blades of a helicopter. After his promotion to Colonel in early 1976, Powell was given command of the 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in April of the same year. On the reverse of the badge is the “N.S. MEYER / NEW YORK” maker’s engraving alongside two small shield shapes. When worn on the Army Service uniform jacket the badge is attached on the right side of the proper left breast pocket flap.

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