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I have these US badges which I assume to be for "dress uniforms" and could be "private purchase" items. I wondered if I could have some help identifying exactly what each badge is for, please, and how many of each would be on a uniform and any other relevant information relating to each badge, please. I have identified each badge with a number so that we know which one we are talking about.
Many thanks for any help and information.
May be of some help here:
1 BG star although I don't know why it is gold, but they are sold in pairs.
2. USAF Senior Master Sergeant, worn on lapels of certain jackets and raincoat (also usually in pairs)
3. Unit insignia but can't tell which. I usually google the inscription and it helps pull up the images to help ID. Also usually sold in pairs because they went on shoulder straps on teh Class A. Unless it is a 'Regimental' insignia, worn on Class A/ASU over the right breast pocket.
4. PFC Class A/B collar tab rank pins (same as #8) still worn on dress shirt and raincoat, shoulder boards only go down to CPL as NCO.
5 USN enlisted collar pin.
6. US Army Officer Military Intelligence branch insignia. Worn on the dress lapel in pairs below 'US', also worn in subdued version on one collar tab (other being the rank).
7. US Army Enlisted Air Defense Artillery branch insignia (the disk is for Enlisted). Worn on the lapel opposite the 'US' disk on Class A/ASU uniforms.
8. Same as #4, just different packaging.
Hope this help, retired in 2001 from US Army MI.
Thank-you for that.
No. 1 Police rank insignia - no military application.
No. 5 Formerly US Navy enlisted E-1 - E6 cap device.
#7 and #8 have a special finish that prohibits tarnish. As listed on the package "Gold Flashing". I am assuming these are older manufactured insignias possibly 60s thru 80s.
N.S. Meyer company was acquired by Vanguard Industries in 2000.
BEAR
Thanks for the all replies chaps.
Are these badges that I have something that the service person would be expected to buy as a "private purchase" because they were/are in addition to issued kit? Or are they provided as part of issued dress uniform?
Well, when you first put your uniform together, you are issued what you will need (very basic). At arrival to your unit, your supply sgt gives you a few patches and a set of unit insignia. For example, when I was assigned to the Berlin Brigade, they let us turn in four uniforms (fatigues and a field jacket, and a Class A jacket and the patches were sewn on. They gave you a couple extra patches too. But these were the poorer quality ones (bevo) and you could buy better ones at Clothing Sales. When I got to t Hood and was reassigned to 3rd Armored, it was announced by tossing me six 3AD subdued patches. The supply sgt came around with a pair of full color ones and three unit insignias. You are also given a uniform allowance and expected, after that, to buy what you need to finish it up. So a kind of both, if you will. Most issue insignia is made to the lowest bidder, and so when you get an official photo done (DA photo for example), you tend to lay out the money for better quality insignia. Some even spring for the shinier buttons, etc.
I've never seen a commander or first sergeant ask the recipient for new rank insignia. It's a courtesy to give the newly promoted member his new rank insignia. Sometimes a little blood gets spilled....