Tasken_Lander Posted November 14, 2012 Share #1 Posted November 14, 2012 I'm sorry for asking the same question in multiple threads but I never seem to get a 100% defining answer. Would a Technician 5th grade be part of the first wave of troops among the 2nd rangers during D-day? If so, would/could be be equipped in just regular field gear or would he have something special with him? I.E. a radio or be a medic, etc? Could he be dressed just like a basic rifleman? What are some of the tasks they'd be required to do that day (June 6, 1944)? I know some of these anwsers can be found in the Spearheading D-Day book but it'll be a while before I can pick up a copy. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garandomatic Posted November 14, 2012 Share #2 Posted November 14, 2012 I have seen several Tech rated men's uniforms that were combat medics. Friend of mine from high school's grandpa was in the 41st Div., part of a rifle company, Combat Medic Badge, PH with OLC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin B. Posted November 14, 2012 Share #3 Posted November 14, 2012 I'm sorry for asking the same question in multiple threads but I never seem to get a 100% defining answer. Would a Technician 5th grade be part of the first wave of troops among the 2nd rangers during D-day? If so, would/could be be equipped in just regular field gear or would he have something special with him? I.E. a radio or be a medic, etc? Could he be dressed just like a basic rifleman? What are some of the tasks they'd be required to do that day (June 6, 1944)? Whether one was a technician or "regular" NCO depended on the soldier's specialty. Some MOS's went to technician grades, some not, but there were T-grades in pretty much every type of unit at the company level and up. The grade, technician or not, doesn't mean much as far as what weapons, equipment, duties etc. a soldier had. That was determined by MOS and the unit's Table of Organization & Equipment. Justin B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasken_Lander Posted November 14, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted November 14, 2012 Okay. Good enough for me. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgawne Posted November 14, 2012 Share #5 Posted November 14, 2012 look at the T/o's but buy the book anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted November 14, 2012 Share #6 Posted November 14, 2012 Found this book, it supposedly has the Overlord roster of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, but one should also get Spearheading D-Day as well, it's G R.R.R E AT! http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ww11-d-day-personal-account-2nd-ranger-battalion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted November 14, 2012 Share #7 Posted November 14, 2012 look at the T/o's but buy the book anyway! Fantastic book and great author! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasken_Lander Posted November 21, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted November 21, 2012 Hi guys, I'm still pretty confused... So if doing a Ranger D-day mannequin display he could have Tech rates/ranking and not nessescarily need any additional personalized gear (medical supplies, demolitions, radio etc) aside from his regular assault gear? After Christmas I'll HAVE to seek out those books. Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted November 22, 2012 Share #9 Posted November 22, 2012 Hi guys, I'm still pretty confused... So if doing a Ranger D-day mannequin display he could have Tech rates/ranking and not nessescarily need any additional personalized gear (medical supplies, demolitions, radio etc) aside from his regular assault gear? After Christmas I'll HAVE to seek out those books. Thanks in advance Thats about right, but you can if you want add the special gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpguy80/08 Posted November 22, 2012 Share #10 Posted November 22, 2012 Keep in mind that while the rank structure was the same (t-5s were called Corporals, T-4s Sergeant and so on) the tech ranks were usually very specific jobs. Radioman, Mortar Crewman, Company Clerks to name a few. In WWII while the hard stripes were usually reserved for the leadership positions, the tech grades should have commanded the same respect as a hard stripe of the same rank and were referred to as Corporal, Sergeant and staff sergeant. The same thing was seen into the 80s with the Specialist ranks, although a Specialist was a specialist was a specialist as it were. If a Spec 5 was placed into a Leadership position for example, he would receive a lateral promotion to hardstripe Sergeant. Eventually, the lateral ranking within the specialist ranks was done away with with the exception of the Spec 4. Now, you rarely see Corporals even if a Spec 4 is a team leader. Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted November 23, 2012 Share #11 Posted November 23, 2012 Keep in mind that while the rank structure was the same (t-5s were called Corporals, T-4s Sergeant and so on) the tech ranks were usually very specific jobs. Radioman, Mortar Crewman, Company Clerks to name a few. In WWII while the hard stripes were usually reserved for the leadership positions, the tech grades should have commanded the same respect as a hard stripe of the same rank and were referred to as Corporal, Sergeant and staff sergeant. The same thing was seen into the 80s with the Specialist ranks, although a Specialist was a specialist was a specialist as it were. If a Spec 5 was placed into a Leadership position for example, he would receive a lateral promotion to hardstripe Sergeant. Eventually, the lateral ranking within the specialist ranks was done away with with the exception of the Spec 4. Now, you rarely see Corporals even if a Spec 4 is a team leader. Wayne I concur, Technicans wear adressed as Corporal of Sergeant, never as Technican, like in example YOU!Technican Harrelson come here! this differs from the later Specialist ranks of the 50-present, they were adressed as Specialist. Do you know that when I was in Reception Station at Fort Jackson we were told to call AT EASE, when a Spec 4 came in to our midst no doubt gave a big boost to the ego of our Spec 4s But the practice fell off right away once we arrived at Benning for Basic and AIT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johan Willaert Posted November 23, 2012 Share #12 Posted November 23, 2012 FYI this GI was a Medic with HQ/2Rangers and came ashore on Omaha Beach on D-Day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasken_Lander Posted November 24, 2012 Author Share #13 Posted November 24, 2012 FYI this GI was a Medic with HQ/2Rangers and came ashore on Omaha Beach on D-Day Interesting. Any place/link for further information pertaining to this gentleman? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johan Willaert Posted November 24, 2012 Share #14 Posted November 24, 2012 Interesting. Any place/link for further information pertaining to this gentleman? Medic who fought in all campaigns of WW2 with the 2nd Rangers. Awarded Silver Star, 2x Bronze Star, 2xPurple Heart Demoted to Pvt and returned to the USA as Pfc. Served as a Policeman after WW2, died in 1997. Inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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