The badge was approved for wear on 10 Mar 1941. U.S. patent #134963.
The wings on the badge represent flight. The open parachute stands for proficiency and parachute qualification.
Basic parachutist badge: Complete the U.S. Army Airborne Course or participate in 1 combat jump.
Senior parachutist badge: Execute 30 jumps, of which 15 must be combat equipment, 2 mass tactical, 2 night jumps (1 as a jump master of a stick). You also must be a graduate of the Jump Master course.
Master parachutist badge: Execute 65 jumps, of which 25 must be combat equipment, 5 mass tactical, 4 night jumps (1 as a jump master of a stick). You also must be a graduate of the Jump Master course.
The authorized wear of the Senior and Master parachutist badge didn't happen until 1949.
The wearing of the combat jump star indicating the participation of an airborne assault into enemy territory was unofficial until authorized on 14 Dec 1983 after the invasion of Grenada. All jump stars are bronze with the exception of 5 combat jumps that is symbolized with an enlarged gold star.
1 Combat Jump
2 Combat Jumps
3 Combat Jumps
4 Combat Jumps
5 Combat Jumps
A parachutists qualification has no bearing on the wearing of combat jump stars.
