Merchant Marine Visor assistance

[cerick1450]

Hello

 

This is a friends fathers WW2 era Merchant Marine Visor Hat.  What is the rank emblem on front?  I could not find much on line.  Are these rare??

Thank you

 

[Salvage Sailor]

That's a Midshipman's (Cadet) hat insignia

[cerick1450]

Is that Merchant marine or Navy??

[cerick1450]

Just now, cerick1450 said:

Is that Merchant marine or Navy??

Thank you for the help

 

[KurtA]

Navy.   USMS badge is a little different. Has a small silver round insignia at the bottom of the anchor 

[cerick1450]

He was a Cadet Midshipmen in the Merchant marine in 1945.  Would he still have worn this, or was he technically in the navy serving on a Merchant marine ship?? 

Thank you

[dhcoleterracina]

My father was in the Merchant Marines in 1945. They weren't part of the Navy but much of his training was done by the Navy. After the war they weren't considered Veterans until decades later when laws were passed.  

[senhoragua]

Mid-war through 1946, cadet-midshipmen wore this cap.  Afterwards, they wore (and still do) a similar cap badge, except in the rope loop at the bottom is placed a Merchant Marine badge.

 

Here’s a timeline and discussion:

https://ianewatts.org/usmma-caps/

[warroom1]

here is some USMS items from my cplection.