My grandpa was awarded this pin in the Korean War. It's been on my backpack for years in his memory. Anyone know what it is?

by GoodOl
[deleted]

veteran and former paratrooper here. this is the badge for completing airborne school and becoming airborne qualified. edit: the pin is colloquially called "airborne wings" or "jump wings" which is what veterans will probably call it if it comes up.

the_howling_cow

That would be the Basic Parachutist Badge, awarded to any Marine, soldier or sailor that completes the three-week Basic Airborne Course of the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Bronze stars attached to the badge denoting actual jumps into combat were unofficially worn since WWII; their official use was not sanctioned until relatively recently (December 14, 1983)

Sources:

US Army Quartermaster Foundation- Airborne Parachutist Badge