Second World War formation badge for the United States 9th Air Force (United States Army Air Force). The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved by the US Quartermaster General on 16 September 1943. Formation note: the 9th Air Force (US Army Air Force, Ninth Air Force) was formed on 8 April 1942 at the New Orleans Army Air Base in Louisiana. The Force served as the US Army Middle East Air Force. Medium bombers and fighters of 9th Air Force supported the British 8th Army (Eighth Army) across North Africa. It served in the Italian campaign and was transferred to England in October 1943 where it provided tactical support for the campaigns in North West Europe. It was disbanded 2 December 1945. © IWM (INS 7305)