Existing comment:
Donald and his Friends Go Home:
Individual units of all the branches of service were free to make contact with the Disney organization to request an insignia design. When the overall design was accepted by the unit they were provided with the final full color original from which the design could be utilized by the unit for not only insignia but also used on stationery, signage, chinaware, etc.
The final step in the insignia process, however, was the submission of the finished design to the War Department for approval. In the haste and urgency of wartime, this final step was frequently not accomplished and most Disney designs remained 'unofficial' despite their wide usage.
When the U.S. Air Force was created on Sept. 18, 1947, many actions were needed in order to establish the vital new identity for the service. Among them were new policies and rules governing unit insignia. These standards promoted a more traditional approach to heraldic designs and the light-hearted cartoon designs were to be no longer acceptable. While units that had officially approved Disney designs could continue with their use, other units which had never gained approval were now denied. The U.S. Air Force policy has remained firm over the last five decades regarding the standards of heraldry. |