I recently purchased a WWII Seabee Uniform from a gentleman I am researching. There is an article in the pocket that called him a Pacific Hero, which is really interesting to me. There was a CB patch on the sleeve and this patch was in the pocket. I've seen awards before but not this one. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
I have done some research into 20th century era distinguishing marks and cannot find any that match your sample. I do feel that the presence of the shield indicates an association with the Coast Guard, I just cannot find a match to the shield with two lines encircling it.
That is insignia from the U.S. Maritime Service. That was a WW2 organization that trained mariners for sailing on merchant ships to the war zones. Check US Maritime Service, they have an interesting web site.
The Coast Guaed did run the training prior to the start of, and early into the war.
I think you are exactly right. I did a search for USMS insignia and found an auction that had the following picture:
A patch just like this one is in the center. Do you know if anyone in the Navy would have worn (or even been allowed to wear) this on their right sleeve? I would assume it would go down there because it looks like the same type of patch that would go where a Sharpshooter insignia would go. Thanks for the help and for piecing history back together again!
Probably not worn by someone in the USN. The USMS training was conducted along boot camp type lines. Once the Mariner got his rating it was into civilian work clothes and off to a civilian run freighter or tanker.
My understanding the uniforms for non officers was just a training establishment thing.
Those two hat bands with the circle & crossed anchore aren't a merchant service insignia. Power Squadron or yacht type organization.
