Other Insignia Not Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

United States Navy

Second World War

Naval Reserve Merchant Marine Insignia

Naval Reserve Merchant Marine Insignia

The United States Naval Reserve Merchant Marine Insignia was not worn on United States Naval uniforms, but on those of the merchant marine to indicate that the wearer was a member of the naval reserve. It could be either embroidered or metallic pin-on type as is the above example. The insignia is two and three-eighths inches long and was worn on the left breast. It was stated that the insignia was not to be worn on United States Navy uniforms. Under certain circumstances officers were required to wear the insignia by law. These included those officers serving in vessels operating under license of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation or serving on certificates of registry issued by the Secretary of Commerce. This insignia was first approved on October 11, 1938.