Pathfinder Badge (United States)
The Pathfinder Badge is a military badge of the United States Army awarded to those soldiers who have successfully completed the U.S. Army Infantry School's Pathfinder Course at Fort Benning,Georgia[1], the course conducted by the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY[2], or the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center Course at Fort Benning. [3]
To be awarded the Pathfinder Badge, a soldier must complete instruction in advanced land navigation, advanced scouting, tactical air traffic control in the field, and the control of parachute operations. The badge is only awarded after completion of a final examination field conditions exercise.
A description of the badge, its symbolism, award eligibility and the date it was approved can be found at the website of The Institute of Heraldry.[4]
The book "US Army Air Force: 2" by Gordon Rottman and Francis Chin on Army Air Forces uniform insignia of the Second World War states the badge (then unofficial) was designed by a Lt. Prescott, a navigator in the 9th Troop Carrier Pathfinder Group (Provisional). In addition to the paratroopers who earned the badge, it was worn by IX Troop Carrier Command air crews trained to guide transports laden with paratroopers or towing gliders to designated release points. The badge was designed in May 1944 and issued to crews prior to the Normandy invasion. It was worn four inches above the left cuff on the service coat.[5]
Further information on the origin of the badge, as well as the pathfinders themselves during World War II, can be found in the book "American Airborne Pathfinders in World War II" by Jeff Moran, published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310.[6]
The current badge is worn in enamel metal form.