WW2 US USAAF 8th Air Force SSI Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

The WW2 US USAAF 8th Air Force SSI (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) represents the Eighth Air Force, a United States Army Air Forces command during World War II. Established in 1942, the Eighth Air Force became a key strategic bombing unit based in England, participating heavily in operations over Nazi-occupied Europe. The insignia features a blue circular background with a white star and red circle at the center, overlaid by golden, stylized wings extending outward and a bold yellow number “8” at the top. Measuring approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, it was intended for wear on the upper left sleeve of the uniform. The design symbolized the unit’s aerial mission and numerical designation. The Eighth Air Force SSI remains one of the most identifiable patches from the Second World War, worn by both aircrew and support personnel. It is a notable artifact for collectors and historians interested in US military insignia and World War II history.