USAF Patches - Strategic Air Command, bombers, fighters, air divisions and more

 

The SAC Shield Patch
    The Strategic Air Command  was created on March 21, 1946 through a redesignation of the Continental Air Command.   A new insignia was quickly created simply by putting a tab over the Army Air Force Patch then in use.  On January 4, 1951, SAC officially adopted it's famous insignia: The shield shape defines the overall mission - defense.  It was later used by all of SAC wings.  The blue sky represents the area of operations.  Officially, the arm and armor are symbols of strength, power and loyalty, but many feel that it represents SAC's ability to deliver a really powerful blow.   The olive branch is symbolic of protecting peace. 
      The design was the result of a SAC-wide contest.  The winning submission was designed by Staff Sergeant Robert T. Barnes of the 92nd Bombardment Wing.  This patch came into use in 1951.  Two years later, the "Strategic Air Command" motto scroll was added. 
Continental Air Command,
1946 - HAVE		 WWII - Style
1947-1951 - HAVE		 Authorized  SAC Patch
1951-1992

Variants - All may not have been officially recognized.
Blue Letters - HAVE Red Letters - HAVE Recent Taiwan - HAVE
Flight Jacket - HAVE Flight Jacket - HAVE Subdued - HAVE Desert Colors - HAVE
   
  Blue Shield - DON'T HAVE Black Border - HAVE  

Some photos of other variations from Cookieman, another ole SAC-trained killer.
John sells SAC patches.  See "obtaining patches" for his site.
Variation 1 Variation 2 Variation 3
Tabless Shield
Several Ebay ads have stated that this was the first SAC shield patch, but research has revealed that it was used 1961-1962 by the 43rd Bomb Wing.  Maybe other units used it too.  But contrary to some representations, it was certainly not the first SAC shield as it did not first appear until almost ten years later..
 		  
SAC "Chevron Patch" - HAVE
Recently acquired.  Seller wrote, "This is a very unusual and interesting patch. A friend of mine says he knows of three stories that relating to this patch (1) it was used by the strategic fighter guys on their flight suits or on their planes. (2) It was used to identify select crews also known as lead crews. (3) It might be for the reflex crews that deployed to the UK and North  Africa?"  Any ideas?  Let me know.