Austro-Hungarian Balloon Corp Collar Insignia

This insignia was worn by members of the Balloon Corp of the Austro-Hungarian Army. The Austro-Hungarian Army was the combined military force of Austria and Hungary during World War I. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Austro-Hungarian Balloon Corp Collar Insignia

Note: This item is currently in storage.

This insignia was worn by members of the Balloon Corp of the Austro-Hungarian Army. The Austro-Hungarian Army was the combined military force of Austria and Hungary during World War I.

During WWI, observation balloons were used by all major powers for intelligence gathering and artillery spotting. In 1914 the budget of the Austro-Hungarian Army was approximately 1/25 the military budget of the French Army. The Austro-Hungarian Army entered WWI with approximately 48 balloons and airplanes.

This metal insignia is 1-1/16 inches high by 11/16 inches wide.

Donated by Col. (Ret.) Robert F. Schirmer.

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