History

The Army Paratrooper Badge was approved by the United States Department of Army in 1941. The Paratrooper Badge may also be referred to as "Jump Wings" or "Silver Wings." The Army Paratrooper Badge is issued in 3 grades: Master Paratrooper Wings (highest grade), Senior Paratrooper Wings (second grade), and Basic Paratrooper Wings (third grade). The Master Wings are awarded to members of the United States Army who have graduated from a jumpstarter course or who have qualified as parachutists in recognition of an excellent rating in character and efficiency, 36 months of service in jump status, and participation in 65 or more jumps (including 25 jumps with combat equipment, 4 night jumps, and 5 mass tactical jumps). The Master Wings were also awarded for service during the Second World War.

Paratrooper Badges are also issued by the United State Air Force and the United States Navy and Marine Corps. While the United States Coast Guard does not issue their own version of the Paratrooper Badge, members of the Marine Corps may be eligible to receive a Paratrooper Badge from another service in accordance with service requirements. The United States Air Force is the same design as the Army Paratrooper Badge.

There may be additional versions of the Master Wings.