WWII US Navy Enlisted Insignia

[Guest john@rpv]

Forum:

 

My uncle served on the USS Wasp (CV-18) during the war and held the rating, Aviation Ordnanceman, AOM2c, for most of this time based upon muster records I have reviewed. Between June and December 1945 he held the rating AOM1c(T). In his reserve status after the war his rating was AOM1c. I am his nephew and closest living relative. My hope is to create a shadow box for my son commemorating his great uncle's service. My son was named after him. I only have his 6 navy ribbons including 6 battle stars. His uniforms were given away 29 years ago when he passed away in 1980.

 

I would like to determine what rating and any various insignia he would have worn on his dress uniform. My research tells me that there was an insignia for aviation ordnance . Where could I find a picture of the referenced ratings and insignia? Also, does anyone have a source for original items mentioned above or, if not originals, then the best replica's available. I would appreciate any help available on this project to honor my uncle's service. Many thanks.

 

john@rpv

[Jason G]

Are you looking for his last rate, or the WWII rate he wore? The difference will be in grade.

 

You might find this little website of use: http://www.valoratsea.com/paygrade.htm

 

BTW, AOM1C (T) would be an Aviation Turrent Mechanic 1st Class.

 

 

I'd suggest checking ebay first as far as purchasing WWII era insignia. Lots of rates show up on there and you should have pretty good luck in finding what you need.

[Guest john@rpv]

Are you looking for his last rate, or the WWII rate he wore? The difference will be in grade.

 

You might find this little website of use: http://www.valoratsea.com/paygrade.htm

 

BTW, AOM1C (T) would be an Aviation Turrent Mechanic 1st Class.

I'd suggest checking ebay first as far as purchasing WWII era insignia. Lots of rates show up on there and you should have pretty good luck in finding what you need.

 

Jason,

 

Many thanks for the info and leads. This is very helpful. I thought the (T) was probably "trainee" or "temporary". I am looking for the last rate he wore on the USS Wasp. I am unclear what the rate patch for AOM1c(T) would look like. Is this 3 diagonal stripes (color)? Or is this 3 red chevrons with the eagle on black? Sorry but my knowledge of Navy uniforms and insignia ia minimal.

 

John

[sigsaye]

Jason,

 

Many thanks for the info and leads. This is very helpful. I thought the (T) was probably "trainee" or "temporary". I am looking for the last rate he wore on the USS Wasp. I am unclear what the rate patch for AOM1c(T) would look like. Is this 3 diagonal stripes (color)? Or is this 3 red chevrons with the eagle on black? Sorry but my knowledge of Navy uniforms and insignia ia minimal.

 

John

Three red chevrons on the Navy Blue (black) with a white eagle and rating device (exploding bomb).

 

Steve Hesson

[navyman]

AOM1C would stand for Aviation OrdnanceMan 1st class

 

Photo of rate

 

Steve correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is what he's looking for.

 

Jason

[sigsaye]

AOM1C would stand for Aviation OrdnanceMan 1st class

 

Photo of rate

 

Steve correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is what he's looking for.

 

Jason

Exactly, Thanks. AOM2C would have 2 chevrons. The (T) what ever it stands for would not change the rating badge.

 

Steve Hesson

[Guest john@rpv]

Three red chevrons on the Navy Blue (black) with a white eagle and rating device (exploding bomb).

 

Steve Hesson

 

Steve,

 

You have been very helpful. My frame of reference for WWII is the Army. My dad was in the 17th Airborne and the Navy charts have been a real disconnect. So this is a Petty Officer Rating First Class with the exploding bomb being a part of the rating and designating Aviation Ordnance. The light bulbs have finally been turned on.

 

Would the dress blouse have any other insignia besides ribbons?

 

Thank you.

 

John@rpv

[sigsaye]

Steve,

 

You have been very helpful. My frame of reference for WWII is the Army. My dad was in the 17th Airborne and the Navy charts have been a real disconnect. So this is a Petty Officer Rating First Class with the exploding bomb being a part of the rating and designating Aviation Ordnance. The light bulbs have finally been turned on.

 

Would the dress blouse have any other insignia besides ribbons?

 

Thank you.

 

John@rpv

fpr every four years of service he would wear one red diagonal stripe on his left fore arm (about seven inches long). These were refered to as "Hashmarks, but officially, "Service Stripes". Other than that, most likely that would be all he would wear on his Jumper (not called a blouse in the Navy).

 

Steve Hesson

[Guest john@rpv]

fpr every four years of service he would wear one red diagonal stripe on his left fore arm (about seven inches long). These were refered to as "Hashmarks, but officially, "Service Stripes". Other than that, most likely that would be all he would wear on his Jumper (not called a blouse in the Navy).

 

Steve Hesson

 

Steve,

 

Got it. Thanks again. I'll just search on the internet until I find that rating for the shadow box. I'm grateful for eveyone's assistance

 

John@rpv