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American Military Patches, Other Insignia and Decorations of World War Two by Dr. Howard G. Lanham c.2002

Qualification Badges

U.S. Army Second World War

Marksmanship Qualification Badges



Firing Range
A GI wearing a Model 1941 Field Jacket and Herringbone Twill Cap Takes Aim.
Marksman Sharpshooter Expert Expert
Marksman
Pistol Dismounted
Sharpshooter Expert GI wearing Expert Badge

Marksmanship Badges were awarded in three classes from lowest to highest: Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. These were worn on the left breast pocket of the service uniform for the period of time the soldier held the qualification. These badges were adopted in 1921 and replaced the style worn during the First World War. Badges were not to be worn in the field. The bars that could be worn included:

Rifle Pistol-D Pistol-M
Auto Rifle Machine Gun Coast Art
Mines Field Arty Mines
Field Arty Bayonet Tank Weapons
C.W.S. Weapons Machine Rifle Aerial Gunner
Aerial Bomber Grenade Small Bore Rifle
Small Bore Pistol Submachine Gun Small Bore M.G.
Carbine Anittank 81-mm Mortar
60-mm Mortar TD 37-mm TD 75-mm
TD 57-mm TD 3-inch

Abbreviations

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