Curious stickpin

[bill badger]

Hello there,

I am attaching photos of a metal stickpin which is a total mystery to me. The motto reads, ' Unguibus et rostro' latin for talons and beak. The eagle is holding three bolts of lightning. There is nothing else to go on. Does anyone have any ideas? Could it be some sort of air gunner/radio operator related pin?

Many thanks
Bill

[Fatherofthree]

Greetings Bill.

A quick search on t'internet shows that various military organisations use this motto, including American Air Force groups, Italian 11th Tank Battalion and the City of Valence in France.

Not much help to you, but it may be a start.

Regards.

Brian.

[bill badger]

Many thanks for your information Brian. I had noticed that the USAAF 18th fighter wing fromt the 1930's used the motto with the image of a cockerel not an eagle. It does appear to be air force related. The reference to the city of Valence is interesting.

Thanks again
Bill