Ca Early 1950s KW era US Overseas Airways USOA Pilot Wing by Delta Uniforms

This is an early 1950's wing for the United States Overseas Airways (USOA). The wing shows a striped shield at center at reads "U.S.O.A.". The airline was founded by a dentist, Dr. Ralph Cox who earned his pilot's license flying for the NAVY in WWII. Originally known as Ocean Air Tradeways, Dr. Cox changed the airline's name in 1950 to United States Overseas Airways. During the early 1950's USOA did not have scheduled flights. Instead, its non-schedule status allowed it to fly a number of both civilian and military operations - including aiding in transport during the Korean War, lending its support towards the creation of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) project, and operated flights worldwide for the Military Air Transport System (MATS). It is also speculated that the airline performed some clandestine operations for the Military during the 1950's. It operated this way for many years before it began scheduled service in 1959.

Circa early 1950's.

2-3/4" in length x 5/8" in height.

Nickel-plated brass.

Horizontal pin with drop-in locking catch.

"DELTA UNIFORMS N. Y."

This is from an airline collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MDAX05 LAAJJX3/10 SLEGEX10/16 TLIIEX04/23/25

8- (Very Fine - Excellent): The wing shows some light wear.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.