February 17, 20179 yr #1 These two items came in a group of other items from the estate of a Vietnam Navy veteran who served with both the Swift Boats (68-69) and PTF Patrol Boats (72-76). I had never heard of the term "craftmaster" before... but in looking it up, it is a US Navy term for an insignia awarded to those personnel who have qualified as underway boat captains of small vessels and support craft. This one sure looks like an in-country made badge along with the buckle. It's made of fairly heavy aluminum and has two prongs on the back. Has anyone else ever come across a similar one? Thanks for looking!
February 17, 20179 yr #2 These two items came in a group of other items from the estate of a Vietnam Navy veteran who served with both the Swift Boats (68-69) and PTF Patrol Boats (72-76). I had never heard of the term "craftmaster" before... but in looking it up, it is a US Navy term for an insignia awarded to those personnel who have qualified as underway boat captains of small vessels and support craft. This one sure looks like an in-country made badge along with the buckle. It's made of fairly heavy aluminum and has two prongs on the back. Has anyone else ever come across a similar one? Thanks for looking! Correct, Craftmasters in RVN were primarily assigned to tugs and service craft (YTB, YTL, YTM, LCU, Lighters, etc) Nice belt buckle!
February 20, 20179 yr #3 Here is the Navy Craftmaster badge.I think is was approved in the late 70's. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craftmaster_insignia
February 21, 20179 yr Author #4 Firefighter, thanks for the link! In comparing the two, they both have similar elements, the wheel and anchors. The original owner was a Quartermaster.
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