US Army enlisted ranks - Technicians

Discussion in 'USA' started by scott 64, Sep 1, 2007.

  1. scott 64

    scott 64 Junior Member

    Hi Pals
    forgive me if this question is posted in the wrong section.
    My Great-uncle enlisted in the Us Army in 1943. He passed away in 1972 and was buried in LONG ISLAND NATIONAL CEMETERY. The details about his gravesite state T5 US ARMY unlike any others which state private or corporal. Could anyone enlighten me as to his rank?

    Has had me stumped for quite a while.

    Thanks Scott
     
  2. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Technical sergeant?

    Cheers,
    Adam.
     
  3. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    T5 = Technician 5th grade and had 2 stripes.
     
  4. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    I assume that technicians were either, Engineers? or perhaps trained to use specific equipment/arms.
    attached list of US Army ranks.
     

    Attached Files:

  5. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Congressional Medal of Honor
    Awarded Posthumously

    JOHN J. PINDER, JR.

    Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.
    Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944.
    Entered service at: Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.
    Born: McKees Rocks, Pennsylvannia.
    G.O. No.: 1, 4 January 1945.

    On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards off shore under devastating enemy machinegun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded.
    Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds, Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, on three occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On the 3rd trip he was again hit, suffering machinegun bullet wounds in the legs.
    Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit for the third time and killed.
    The indomitable courage and personal bravery of Technician 5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.
     
  6. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Whoops.
    Read it as TS rather than T5,
    sorry Scott!
     
  7. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Silver Star Commendation for
    Tech 5 Henry Guarnere - Brother Of Wild Bill Guarnere.
    HENRY GUARNERE, (ASN 33026746), Technician Fifth Grade, Medical Detachment, * * * * * * * Battalion. For gallantry in action on * * * 1943 in the vicinity of * * * * *, Tunisia. During heavy counter battery fire a solider in a gun section was seriously wounded and unable to reach shelter. Technician Fifth Grade Guarnere voluntarily and without hesitation ran to the wounded soldier and began administering first aid to him. Although the position was still receiving heavy fire he completely disregarded his own welfare by remaining with the wounded soldier until he completed his first aid treatment. His daring and heroic actions undoubtly save the soldier's life. The gallantry, perseverance, and concern for the welfare of a wounded comrade displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Guarnere reflect great credit upon himself and the command and are highly commendable.

    Entered Military Service from hiladelphia, Pennsylavania. (Medal No. 24737)

    General Order No. 44, 1st Armored Div., Dated 7 May 1943
     
  8. scott 64

    scott 64 Junior Member

    THANKYOU ALL
    Is it not great to finally have an answer to something thats been bugging you for a long time?
    Regards Scott
     
  9. Za Rodinu

    Za Rodinu Hot air manufacturer

    Thank you for the inspiration, Spidge, I think citations like these ought to be required reading in school.
     
  10. shamrock

    shamrock Junior Member

    SCOT ,i'm looking for anyone from Camp Gruber,OK. 1942/ 88TH, BLUE DEVILS,,349, 350, 350,,,, SHAMROCK
     
  11. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Hi Shamrock

    Sorry I can't be of any help, my knowledge of US Army units being "zilch".

    Instead, I hope you don't mind if I use this thread to pose another research query?

    I have just received an e-mail with another cry for help, I print it as received:

    Sir,
    I am searching for information about the 8th Field Artillery Div. (World War 2) stationed at Scholfield Barracks during Pearl Harbor attack, Dec.7, 1941. The serviceman I am seeking information on is Elmer Clyde Catron B.Nov. 19, 1921 Altus, Oklahoma. He went into Army on Dec. 18, 1939. Sailed overseas in Feb.1940 Served at Pearl and was in battle of Guadacanal with Eight Field Artillery, He was back in USA after 46 months and discharged in Feb. 1944. I do hope you can help me with information or tell me where to locate this information. Thank you.
    The e-mail was signed: Darlene

    I am sending a link to this thread to the person who wrote to me so that they can follow its progress, if any.
     
  12. Doc

    Doc Senior Member

    Technical Sergeants or Technicians were in most arms and branches-- It was a grade structure created to allow increased rank and pay to technicians, without the leadership responsibilities of a Non-Commissioned Officer. Some were communications specialists, some were intelligence, some were engineers, etc. In the 1960s, this concept in the US Army led to the development of the multiple Specialist ranks (up through E7-- E8 and E9 were planned, but as far as I know never implemented), which still exists today as Specialist 4. Doc
     
  13. scott 64

    scott 64 Junior Member

    Hi Doc
    Thanks for that
    Regards Scott
     
  14. elizabethlbond

    elizabethlbond Junior Member

    Hi

    My name is Elizabeth Bond, do you know anyone who is called called Harry Rainbow, who served in Shertson in 1944? He is a distant relative and I am trying to find him? Your help would be appreciated x x x
     
  15. Earthican

    Earthican Senior Member

    Hi Shamrock

    Sorry I can't be of any help, my knowledge of US Army units being "zilch".

    Instead, I hope you don't mind if I use this thread to pose another research query?

    I have just received an e-mail with another cry for help, I print it as received:

    Sir,
    I am searching for information about the 8th Field Artillery Div. (World War 2) stationed at Scholfield Barracks during Pearl Harbor attack, Dec.7, 1941. The serviceman I am seeking information on is Elmer Clyde Catron B.Nov. 19, 1921 Altus, Oklahoma. He went into Army on Dec. 18, 1939. Sailed overseas in Feb.1940 Served at Pearl and was in battle of Guadacanal with Eight Field Artillery, He was back in USA after 46 months and discharged in Feb. 1944. I do hope you can help me with information or tell me where to locate this information. Thank you.
    The e-mail was signed: Darlene

    I am sending a link to this thread to the person who wrote to me so that they can follow its progress, if any.

    Regrettably this information is too late to help, but the answer was, for a change, available online.

    US 8th Field Artillery Regiment was part of the Hawaiian Division until Oct 1941 when that division was split to make the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions. A battalion of the 8th FA Regiment was used to create the 8th Field Artillery Battalion and assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. The 25th ID fought on Guadalcanal, Dutch East Indies and the Philippines.

    Full history here:

    25th Infantry Division Association: The Units (Continued)
     
  16. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Old Hickory Recon

    While men who held these ranks (T-3, T-4, T-5) were not completely the same as a corporal, sergeant or staff sergeant, they were referred to as such.

    When Old Hickory earned his T-5 stripes, he was away on leave and thought he was still a PFC. Upon returning to the troop, he was greeted by his CO, who said to him, "Good morning, corporal."

    He came home as a T-5, but referred to himself as a staff sergeant. I have copies of two programs made for the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals the troop enjoyed in 1943 before going overseas. It lists the men of the troop. The technicians are listed as corporals, sergeants and staff sergeant, not Technician 3, 4 or 5.
     
  17. PA. Dutchman

    PA. Dutchman Senior Member

    My father was a T/Sgt. Armorer 911, I will post his Separation Papers where he is listed as a T/Sgt.

    I have his promotion from Staff Sgt. to T/Sgt. Papers.

    The 42 nd Squadron Roster lists the Sgts. according to rank you will see the Tech Sgts. were just about a Staff Sgt.

    Then I have a letter from his LT. recommending T/Sgt. Heilman for promotion to Warrant Officer from T/Sgt.

    The page from the 1942 Rank page illustrates the Tech Ranks clearly.

    Then I have him with his T/Sgt. Patch it was also called a Prop Patch because of the props.

    I have listed what a Armorer 911 was expected to know and do, I have his notebook from his classes.
     

    Attached Files:

  18. PA. Dutchman

    PA. Dutchman Senior Member

    My father was in the 11 TH Field Artillery from 1937 to 1940 at Schofield Barracks. Then he when he was discharged he re- enlisted in the 11 TH Bomb Group Heavy at Hickam.

    This link will give you more information. I have made contact with the 25 TH and they confirmed the transformation and asked me to send them all my 11 TH Field Artillery documents and photos.

    The might be able to help you.

    11th Field Artillery Regiment

    Regrettably this information is too late to help, but the answer was, for a change, available online.

    US 8th Field Artillery Regiment was part of the Hawaiian Division until Oct 1941 when that division was split to make the 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions. A battalion of the 8th FA Regiment was used to create the 8th Field Artillery Battalion and assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. The 25th ID fought on Guadalcanal, Dutch East Indies and the Philippines.

    Full history here:

    25th Infantry Division Association: The Units (Continued)
     

    Attached Files:

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