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Service Stripes on Ike Jackets


tsakers85
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I'm not seeing a whole lot of photos of Ike Jackets with service stripes on them. Was this not common or are service stripes just not worn on Ike Jackets?

 

Also, just to confirm:

 

Service Stripes - 3 years

Overseas Service Bar - 6 months

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Captainofthe7th

A lot of soldiers just weren't in the service for three years. I often hear them referred to as reenlistment stripes - not many GIs reenlisted after the war. Even if someone joined in 1943 and enlisted for the duration, they were out before three years, therefore not rating the stripe. I believe during WWII one only needed to serve a year to receive the GCM, so seeing the GCM on a uniform and no service stripes does not mean three years of service. Hope that is all clear.

 

A few of the Korean War ikes in my collection have service stripes, but the majority do not.

 

Rob

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Old Marine

Service Stripes would have been worn on the Ike Jacket. There could be a few reasons why you see no service stripes, Supply problems, or maybe the soldier had not even been in for 3 years. It was possible that a kid could be drafted in early 1944, he could be overseas and in combat by October 1944. The war ends in May 45, he's shipped home and discharged in late 45. He wouldn't even qualify for a service stripe.

 

Dennis

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Thanks! The reason for my question is I am working on "restoring" my Grandfather's and Great Uncle's Ike jackets. My Grandfather enlisted in July of 1941 and had 4 years of service. My Great Uncle fell just short having enlisted in Nov. of 42 and had 2.9 years of service.

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Old Marine

Another thing to consider might be that your Grandfather could have been issued his 3 year service stripe when he was back here in the states being processed for discharge. He may have just said thanks and stuck it in his pocket and forgot about it like a lot of other guys might have done. Going home was a lot more important than sewing on the stripe.

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Additional question, would a radio operator wear Communications Specialist sleeve insignia?

If you mean the little blue triangle, that is an Army Air Forces insignia. If he was in the Army Air Force and he qualified he could wear it. What qualified someone to wear it, I do not know.

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seanmc1114
My Grandfather went to Europe and came home 2 weeks shy of 6 months.

He probably still qualified for an overseas stripe. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the regulations said you received credit for any portion of a calendar month that was spent overseas. For example, a soldier who arrived overseas February 28, 1945 and left the theater July 1, 1945 would have received credit for six months even though in reality he only served overseas four full months plus two extra days.

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He probably still qualified for an overseas stripe. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the regulations said you received credit for any portion of a calendar month that was spent overseas. For example, a soldier who arrived overseas February 28, 1945 and left the theater July 1, 1945 would have received credit for six months even though in reality he only served overseas four full months plus two extra days.
Interesting. I never heard that. Thanks.
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I am not sure about the Army, but I was told by a Marine that you earn the stripe when you get within three months of the term. So a 3 year service stripe would be earned at 2 years and 9 months.

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Bruce Linz

Here is the straight scoop on service stripes or hashmarks:

 

Service stripes or hashmarks are earned and worn only by enlisted personnel.

 

One service stripe or hashmark is earned for each full three years (Army) or full four years (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) of duty in any of the armed forces.

 

Partial years of service do not count. (i.e. 2 years and 9 months does not get you a hashmark)

 

The Army awards service stripes upon completion of three (3) years of service, either active or reserve.

 

The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard award service stripes upon completion of four (4) years of service, either active or reserve.

 

Unlike good conduct medals, service stripes or hasmarks are earned and worn regardless of the service member,s disciplinary history.

 

The Air Force is the only branch of service which does not issue service stripes. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is issued in lieu of them.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Semper Fi,

Bruce Linz

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Also realize that many soldiers just didn't bother to sew on every hashmark and stripe they might have earned. Some couldn't care less about them. Career soldiers would be the ones most likely to concern themselves with them.

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