Rare 1929-1932 Army Air Force BB&B Bronze Distinguished Aerial Bombardier Badge

  

Available is one of the rarer of Army Air Corps military aviation awards. The Army Air Force Gold Distinguished Aerial Bombardier Badge was struck initially in 14K gold by Rock Island Arsenal and then in 14K gold and eventually in bronze during the depression by Bailey Banks & Biddle. They were awarded to the highest scoring aviation officers at the annual bombing matches held at Langley Field, Virginia from only 1926 to 1932. This particular example is struck in Bronze. The broach is 1.39 inches wide.

40 inches high at the widest point (excluding the suspension rings), with the word DISTINGUISHED approximately 0.92 inch in length with the letters approximately. The reverse of the broach is marked, "BB&B/BRONZE".

The overall design is one of stylized clouds. The pendant is generally circular and about 1.25 inches in diameter with five sets of laurel leaves on each side of the badge. Inside the laurel leaves appears a circular target with raised rings, and over that entire design is a bomb.

According to William Emerson's Orders and Medal Society Article on the badges, the 1929 through 1932 bronze awards were from the BB&B dies. The badge is in excellent condition showing light age. Please be sure to view the pictures I have posted and judge condition for yourself. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.