Looking for info on Grandpa's service

Hi all,

My grandfather served from March 1943 to November 1945 in the Army. His name was Robert Bruce Andrews and he had been discharged due to appendicitis (although he stayed in service until after the end of the war). My father seemed to be of the belief that his dad was in a program to become a warrant officer or something (although I'm skeptical of the validity to that claim and I never heard it from my grandfather). His separation record states that he was attached to 412th AAF BU AC Seattle, WA and his MOS was a Radio Operator Low Speed 776 (I know nothing about either his unit nor his MOS). His service number was 31 287 038 and his service record says that he never saw any war time (backed up by his American Theater Service Medal).

Robert Andrews Dress Uniform by Young_Dirk posted Sep 29, 2023 at 12:22 PM

I'm assuming he was a private in this photo and have no idea when it would have been taken. I want to say it's a boot camp or early training photo, but the Good Conduct Medal throws it off. I'm curious as to what the cord on his shoulder is for. Also what are the badges on his chest next to the Good Conduct award? I know it is a qualification, but not sure what for.

Robert Andrews -Radio by Young_Dirk posted Sep 29, 2023 at 12:22 PM

On the back of this photo my grandfather wrote, "Me and my radio in the truck. The part showing is the transmitter and receiver. More of the set is on my right side out of sight." I'm curious if this would have been field training or something like an AIT of the time.

Robert Andrews with family by Young_Dirk posted Sep 29, 2023 at 12:22 PM

I'm unsure about when this picture was taken, but it was in his hometown of Pittsfield, MA. I know that the rank is that of Technician 5th Grade, but I'm curious why he would have that rank despite being discharged as a private AND receiving the Good Conduct Medal.

Robert Andrews separation record by Young_Dirk posted Sep 29, 2023 at 12:22 PM

I attached his discharge record to answer any other questions that weren't answered above.

Robert Andrews discharge record by Young_Dirk posted Sep 29, 2023 at 12:22 PM

I also attached his honorable discharge certificate as this and the discharge record are the only ones that I have.

Lastly, I am wanting to get more information on his service. He never talked much about the war, even when asked in an appropriate setting, and his records were destroyed in that fire back in '73. Would there be any unit diaries or records that may mention him? Would his hospital records be available or is that protected information?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Interesting. I too look forward to more information.

 

Branch of service, not specific type of unit. There were more than 50 different U.S. Army engineer unit T/O&Es in WWII, only 3 of which had 'combat' in their name. These would normally be found organic to infantry divisions or attached to corps. There were about 7 engineer T/O&Es with 'aviation' in their name, though representing a much smaller total number of units than those with 'combat.'

ASTP is Army Specialized Training Program - GIs whose duty was to attend college. It was significantly reduced later in the war and may explain the multiple assignments.

'BU' is Base Unit - the air base support staff.

 

I believe it is a type of aiguillette, but I'm not sure for what purpose. For example, when I was at boot camp in the Navy, our RDCs would wear red aiguillette on their uniforms that indicated that they are trained and qualified Recruit Division Commanders. They also had "blue ropes", as we called them, that were RDCs in training. There were also silver ones which, to my knowledge and understanding, were recruiters for ceremonial guard within the Navy. I do remember seeing some other colors and types in the Navy Exchange catalogs that were reserved for those serving in said guard within D.C. and other federal buildings/sites.

I'm just not certain what my grandfather's aiguillette would indicate.

 

Thank you! What would have been the reason to send them to college? Was it a type of officer program usually?