US army ranks in WW2

Smithson · #1 (**permalink**) October 13th, 2009, 04:03 PM

hi guys the US army in ww2 had some NCO ranks with some T's under neath like in the picture underneath but what i dont understand is what is the purpose of it?

JagdtigerI · #2 (**permalink**) October 13th, 2009, 04:04 PM

Hi Smithson, the "T" simply identifies them as technicians

applevalleyjoe · #3 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2009, 07:02 PM

In 1942 the Army introduced the rank of TECHNICIAN by adding the "T" to existing chevrons. These individuals were paid at the rate corresponding to the chevrons, outranked the next lowest non-technician rank, but had no supervisory authority outside of their technical specialty. Technical ranks were especially common in the US Army Air Corps. In 1943, my father, a medical specialist, was a Technical Sergeant...three stripes with a T. These ranks were discontinued in 1948.

In 1952 the Army introduced a different and parallel rank structure to recognize the increasing number of specialists in its structure. This included the ranks of Specialist 4 through Specialist 9. The latter grades existed on paper only and apparently were never awarded. Specialist 7 was abolished in 1978 and Specialist 5 and 6 in 1985. Specialist were not considered non-commissioned officers and had no line authority over troops. Soldiers in the Combat Branches (Armor, Infantry, Artillery) and Combat Support Branches wore chevrons instead and were called "hard stripers". I personally never saw a specialist during the 1950's-1980's higher ranking than a Specialist 5. Presumably, the elimination of the SPECIALIST grades were due to the Army's move to redefine Military Occupational Specialties and establish broader responsabilities commensurate with the pay rates. Along with this came a revised and quite extensive system of mandated military/career/techical schooling required for promotion.

Today, the only remaining specialist rank is SP4 and it generally denotes a pay rate equal to that of a Corporal. It is even found amongst the combat branches.

LRusso216 · #4 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2009, 07:38 PM

AVJ, thanks. A nice clear explanation. Well done.

MarkO · #5 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2009, 12:02 AM

My father held a T5 rank for part of WWII but was a rifleman in the Infantry. Why would that be? Why would a combat soldier hold a T-ranking? He was in combat on 3 different campaigns(?) and was awarded a Purple Heart, a CIB with a star over it (I always thought that meant he was in combat in 2 different wars...WWII and Korea...he served in both) and a Silver and Bronze star. I used to drill him all the time 45 years ago when I was a youngster because I wanted to know about "what Dad did in the Army". He once told me he was a runner and that's when he was wounded the 1st time...carrying a message. Would a "runner" hold a T-rank or maybe he had some other technical skill that I'm not aware of? Getting him to talk about his Army days was like talking to a wall. He'd always change the subject to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dad died 17 years ago...his nickname was "The West Virginia Ridge Runner" and I heard some of his old Army buddies call him "Limey" which irritated him somewhat because he was from Scotland. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Buten42 · #6 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2009, 02:38 AM

MarkO, I can add some insight to the star on the CIB. Your correct, it does indicate a second award of the badge--he earned his first in WWII, and his second in Korea. Had he gone to Viet Nam and earned this award again, he would have two silver stars. Acording to the above post, aparently he had a job that didn't require supervisory authority for a period of time. I don't know if "runner" would fit, but it seems reasonable.

MarkO · #7 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2009, 03:18 AM

Thank you Sir...I just recently was given much of Dad's military belongings and I'm trying to piece everything together so my children will have it. Your input is very much appreciated.