Armband, Observer, AWS, USAAF

Genuine WWII US Aircraft Warning Service armand, made in royal blue wool felt material, with machine-embroidered insignia. Created in May 1941, the AWS was a civilian branch of the US military whose mission consisted in watching for enemy aircraft entering the American airspace, both on the West Coast and the East Coast. At the peak of its activity, on the East Coast, the AWS numbered 750,000  volunteers -- mostly women -- who had received extensive training in aircraft recognition and were posted to various observation centers. The AWS was disbanded in May 1944.

Dimensions: 18 x 4 inches, like most regulation brassards. Due to the lack of fastening device, the armband was usually fixed on the left sleeve by a safety pin. Mint condition.