MovieChat Forums > Onionhead (1958) Discussion > enlisted ranks

enlisted ranks

posted 13 years ago by retpo
6 replies | jump to latest

Does anybody know why some of the enlisted had their ranks on their left sleeve and some others on the right?

[–] rmax304823 12 years ago

Because somebody in wardrobe made a mistake. The ranks (and the USCG silver shield) are always on the left sleeve.

[–] boxerrebellion 11 years ago

See the answer below. Once war was declared and the CG went from DoT to DoN, they probably fell in with the Navy prescription for uniforms.

[–] rmax304823 11 years ago

Didn't know that. Thanks.

[–] CUTiger78 (31) 6 months ago

The USCG was part of the Dept. of Treasury before WWII, not the DOT of today, a common reference to the Department of Transportation.

[–] fredpatch-1 12 years ago

During WWII the Navy, and presume Coast Guard, wore their rating badges on the left sleeve, unless they held a senior "deck" rating, Boatswain Mate, Signalman, Quartermaster, Gunners Mate, and Sonarman. I never could figure that last one out. Anyway, after the war, all ratings were worn on he left sleeve.

[–] rmax304823 11 years ago

The high-echelon officer who made the decision was probably an ex Sonarman, risen from the ranks. :)