Description
Technician fifth grade (abbreviated T/5 or Tec 5) was a rank of the United States Army from 1942 to 1948. The rank was created to recognize enlisted soldiers with special technical skills, but who were not trained as combat leaders. Those who held the rank of T/5 were addressed as “corporal,” the same as the corresponding non-commissioned officer at the same pay grade. Technicians represented a wide variety of soldiers with specialized technical skills, including medics, radio operators, radio repairmen, mail clerks, mechanics, cooks, musicians, and tank drivers. Initially, the three technician ranks held non-commissioned officer status. However, as technicians received no formal NCO leadership training or qualifications, their entrance into the NCO ranks resulted in organizational confusion, dilution of the NCO corps, and lowered morale among senior NCOs. Consequently, the Army revoked NCO status from technicians in November 1943.
Machine embroidered in a silver/grey silk on a dark blue gabardine material, this MATCHING set is in EXCELLENT used condition! Some slight marks and wear, due to the age, but nothing that detracts. Would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!
