Jump to content

Help Identifying Small Navy Rate Patches ? USN Specialty Marks


easystreet
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello All,

 

Not sure if this is the right area to ask this question or not. I am relatively new to collecting Navy stuff, I have focused on mostly Army stuff form the past fifty years.

 

I picked these out of a bin of misc patches at an antiques mall. Some I can identify from reading posts on the forums, but a number I am not sure of.

 

Any help and opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

Rich M

B97FEF46-7173-4BF8-BE3D-618906FD369B.jpeg

67B42D94-F410-4C4E-BC51-18DE30A56852.jpeg

24B55A03-2C31-43A1-B923-80C878F8B4A1_1_201_a.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Last one. And I have no idea why someone cut this out. I found them separately (both in the same patch bin), and put them together.

92B7CF0D-F13D-4633-99CC-481A673105B4_1_201_a.jpeg

74D3F257-BFFC-491E-960C-65019C719909_1_201_a.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Salvage Sailor

Google 'Navy specialty marks' and 'navy distinguishing marks' and you'll find your answer

Link to comment
Share on other sites

David Minton

While these would not be considered rates (for USN an eagle, chevrons, and specialty mark) this is a fine place for your question.

 

These are a mix of Specialty Marks (such as your Motor Machinist Mates), often referred to as “strikers” and Distinguishing Marks. The former are indicative of jobs and are for Seaman below Petty Officer. The latter indicate certifications above and beyond job requirements(such as your Seaman Gunner), or certain types of awards (such as your Efficiency E awards). 
 

Your examples are a mix of WWII era, post-WWII, unknown 1910s-1950s (would need to look more closely at construction and check reference books to see the period of use to hazard a better guess).

 

I’m on my phone, but that will get you started until someone gives you a more precise answer. If you want to get serious about Navy rate collecting, do yourself a favor and order John Stacey’s book from ASMIC. You don’t need to be a member, but consider joining if you aren’t. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks guys. This actually helped a lot. I couldn't quite think of specifically what they were called to be able to google them. I was able to identify several, but the time frame and usage was a little more difficult. Most of what I found online, is more "current", and doesn't show a lot of the older ones that aren't in use any more. 

 

I think the one that looks like a "radar machine" is "Fire Controlman" ? But stopped being used after WW2.

 

I haven't been able to find out what the one is with multiples in the second from last post. The square with the circle on top. I'm guessing something to do with gunnery ???

 

Rich M

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Salvage Sailor
13 hours ago, easystreet said:

 

I think the one that looks like a "radar machine" is "Fire Controlman" ? But stopped being used after WW2.

Rich M

 

Aloha Rich,

 

It's always best to seek an original reference source to identify these marks.  This is from 'All Hands', the navy magazine, March 1948

 

Fire Control Technician

 

1248090929_USNSpecialtyMarksAllHandsMarch1948.jpg.d78e63590bc468940878acab0b4bb1d2.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I appreciate the replies and this chart. I found two more in a random box of my insignia. I was able to identify the top one as "Radarman" on the WW2 chart above and "Operations Specialist" on a more current chart. The bottom patch, must be from an in-between period, as I can't find it on any of the charts I have looked at.

 

Thanks again for the help guys.

 

Rich M

DA072AA5-986C-499B-B60E-9DB8B98F8CDB.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...