History of the Patch

	PA-009 Erie Composite Squadron 502 "The Deuce" Version 1, 1973

The Keystone represents the State of Pennsylvania, and Erie is in the northwest corner of the State, as shown by the location of the origin of the sunburst. The motto describes the arrows - We will travel to the four corners of the Wing to "Support by Leadership". The "DII" are the Roman Numerals of the Squadron designation "502" - the squadron being a part of Group 50 at the time.

The emblem was designed by William "Bill" Shafer, and the patch came into use in 1973. When it came time for a second order for more patches, the squadron decided to include a small, "silver star" in the field in random places for each Spaatz cadet they had. There are now at least four silver stars included in the last variation of the patch.

Information provided by:
William "Bill" Shafer
October 19, 2007