USAF SILVER BELT BUCKLE WITH HAP ARNOLD EMBLEM

Air Force General Officers (O-7 to O-10) have the option of wearing a silver belt buckle engraved with what Air Force uniform regulations refer to as the “wing and star” design, but which is almost universally referred to as the “Hap Arnold emblem” or the “Hap Arnold wings.” A close copy of the U.S. Army Air Forces insignia worn during World War II, the design was named to honor the commander of the USAAF at that time, but in fact it was designed by a Mr. James Rawls, an artist serving on General Arnold’s staff. After having several insignia submissions turned down by Arnold, Rawls was shown (or saw) an image of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill waving his famous “V for Victory” hand sign and was inspired to alter the wings of the insignia., bending them upward to mimic the British Bulldog’s spread index and middle fingers.
 
Male and female General Officers may opt for the “wing and star” belt buckle with their respective Service Dress Uniforms, as well as the Men’s Blue Service Uniform (Class B) as the Women’s Long Sleeve Blue Blouse. However, the “wing and star” silver belt buckle is a mandatory component of the uniforms worn by members the USAF Honor Guard, Arlington National Cemetery Chaplains, Installation and Base Honor Guards, Drill Teams, and Military Funeral Details.