digi-shots Posted February 17, 2017 Share #1 Posted February 17, 2017 These two items came in a group of other items from the estate of a Vietnam Navy veteran who served with both the Swift Boats (68-69) and PTF Patrol Boats (72-76). I had never heard of the term "craftmaster" before... but in looking it up, it is a US Navy term for an insignia awarded to those personnel who have qualified as underway boat captains of small vessels and support craft. This one sure looks like an in-country made badge along with the buckle. It's made of fairly heavy aluminum and has two prongs on the back. Has anyone else ever come across a similar one? Thanks for looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salvage Sailor Posted February 17, 2017 Share #2 Posted February 17, 2017 These two items came in a group of other items from the estate of a Vietnam Navy veteran who served with both the Swift Boats (68-69) and PTF Patrol Boats (72-76). I had never heard of the term "craftmaster" before... but in looking it up, it is a US Navy term for an insignia awarded to those personnel who have qualified as underway boat captains of small vessels and support craft. This one sure looks like an in-country made badge along with the buckle. It's made of fairly heavy aluminum and has two prongs on the back. Has anyone else ever come across a similar one? Thanks for looking! Correct, Craftmasters in RVN were primarily assigned to tugs and service craft (YTB, YTL, YTM, LCU, Lighters, etc) Nice belt buckle! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted February 20, 2017 Share #3 Posted February 20, 2017 Here is the Navy Craftmaster badge.I think is was approved in the late 70's. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craftmaster_insignia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digi-shots Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted February 21, 2017 Firefighter, thanks for the link! In comparing the two, they both have similar elements, the wheel and anchors. The original owner was a Quartermaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now