The following is a bibliography of articles (newspaper, magazine and on-line) related to USAF patch collecting. The articles cover a wide range of topics to include, but not limited to, collecting, heraldry, lineage, organization, installations and guidance. Many of the articles listed in this bibliography are available in electronic format; when available on-line, a link is provided for those items.
Another great source for articles is your local library, many of which have electronic databases available for you to obtain copies. Depending on your library, these databases may be available at home as well as in the library. Inquire with you local library about all these services.
Articles Available on USAFpatches.com
“ADCOM’s Fighter Interceptor Squadrons.” The Interceptor, January 1979.
Cully, George W. “Squadrons.” Air Force Magazine, December 1992. https://usafpatches.com/pubs/AFAsquadronarticle.pdf (accessed 21 October 2022). (Reprinted on USAFPatches.com by permission from Air Force Magazine, published by the Air Force Association.)
Perini, Michael. “Patches: Windows on History.” Airman Magazine, September 1991.
Rhodes, Jeffrey P. “Patches.” Air Force Magazine, October 1990. (Reprinted on USAFPatches.com by permission from Air Force Magazine, published by the Air Force Association.)
Online Articles
“Air Force Announces New Mustache Policy, Sister Service and Joint Unit Patch Update.” Air Force News Service, 26 May 2022. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3045409/air-force-announces-new-mustache-policy-sister-service-and-joint-unit-patch-upd/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
“Air Force Senior Leaders Update OCP Uniform Guidance.” Air Force News Service, 23 April 2019. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1821282/air-force-senior-leaders-update-ocp-uniform-guidance/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
Alia-Novobilski, Marisa. “History Office Plays Key Role in OCP Emblem-to-Patch Conversion.” Air Force News Service, 5 September 2018. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1620761/history-office-plays-key-role-in-ocp-emblem-to-patch-conversion/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
Biscoe, Andrew. “Latest OCP guidance approves current subdued patches.” Air Force News Service, 27 December 2018. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1721474/latest-ocp-guidance-approves-current-subdued-patches/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
“Emblems Of Success: F-22 Patch Collecting.” Code One Magazine, 1st Quarter 2008. http://www.codeonemagazine.com/images/1Q_V23N1_web_1271449318_2993.pdf (accessed 26 October 2010).
Hinson, Mary. “Unit Patch To Adorn Air Force Academy Football Uniforms”. Air Force Reserve Command News Service, 28 June 2007. https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/158694/unit-patch-to-adorn-air-force-academy-football-uniforms/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
Pawlyk, Oriana. “Air Force Brass Order Removal of All Offensive, Non-Inclusive Patches, Mottos and Emblems.” Military.com, 8 January 2021. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/01/08/air-force-brass-order-removal-of-all-offensive-non-inclusive-patches-mottos-and-emblems.html (accessed 21 October 2022).
Merchak, Alexander. “Civil Engineers wear new morale patch ‘No One Fights Alone’.” Air Force News Service, 16 September 2022. https://www.travis.af.mil/News/Article/3161809/civil-engineers-wear-new-morale-patch-no-one-fights-alone/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “Badge of Honor: 100 Missions Up North.” https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196015/badge-of-honor-100-missions-up-north/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “Disney Pins on Wings: The Insignia Art of Walt Disney Productions During World War II.” https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196132/disney-pins-on-wings/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
Rosa, David. “The story behind one of the most bizarre squadron emblems in the Air Force” Task & Purpose, 21 Jan 2022. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-squadron-patch-311-fighter/ (accessed 21 October 2022).
Shepard, Nelson M. “Insignia of A.E.F. Aero Squadrons.” Daughter of the American Revolution Magazine, March 1920. https://services.dar.org/members/magazine_archive/download/?file=DARMAG_1920_03.pdf (accessed 21 October 2022).
“Wear of AFRC patch becomes mandatory Oct. 1.” Air Force Reserve Command News Service, 7 June 2006. https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/159060/wear-of-afrc-patch-becomes-mandatory-oct-1/ (accessed 7 March 2020).
Off-Line Articles
Foisie, Jack. “Thailand Tailor Flies High as Air Force Status Symbol.” The Milwaukee Journal, June 19, 1971.
Gaudiano, Nicole. “Army Turns to Velcro to Keep Unit Patches.” Air Force Times, 11 July 2005.
Gaudiano, Nicole. “Cost of Heritage: Decision to Rid Uniforms of Patches Pits Savings Against Source of Pride.” Air Force Times, 11 July 2005.
Murray, Ben. “Insignia on His Mind: Collector Searches for AF Unit Patches.” Stars and Stripes, 28 February 2007, UK Weekly Edition.
Patton, Phil. “Patches of Honor.” Voice: AIGA Journal of Design, 29 July 2008.
“Porties mark 50th with Jiminy Cricket.” Air Force Times, 15 August 2009.
Rolfsen, Bruce. “Patches: Show of Pride or Worthless Clutter?” Air Force Times, 2 June 2010.
Stephens, Andy. “Separated at Birth? The Secret History of the 970th AACS ‘Rabbit Patch'”. Tinker Take-Off, 7 April 2006.
Sumida, Chiyomi. “Military-themed Patches, Embroidery on Display at Okinawa Museum, Shops.” Stars and Stripes, 12 February 2008, Pacific Edition.
“Taking Away Air Force Heraldry Means Taking Away Its Heritage”. Air Force Times, 27 September 2004.
