Editing Observer Badge (section)

==First World War==
[[File:USA - Balloon Observer WWI.png|thumb|175px|right|First World War Observer Badge]]
The original Observer Badge was a half-wing variation of the Aviator Badge worn by military pilots of the [[United States Army Air Service]] and later the [[United States Army Air Corps]].  The badge was mainly awarded to gunners, spotters, and navigators on the first armed military aircraft.  With the advent of [[bombing]], the Observer Badge was also initially authorized for aircraft bombardiers.  A new badge was soon created for these duties, however: the [[Bombing Aviator Badge]].

Those rated as Balloon Observers were also eligible for the badge, and the badge was typically referred to as both the ''Airplane Observer Badge'' and the ''Balloon Observer Badge''. The design of the badge awarded was identical in both cases, and towards the end of the First World War was commonly referred to as the "Airplane and Balloon Observer Badge", although the ratings for which the badge was issued remained distinct.