Marksmanship Awards

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Thought I'd start this thread for photos and information on marksmanship awards down through the ages, including historical examples. By all means, post yours if you have em!

****

[Sgt Leprechaun]

This is the Pistol Expert award of Captain Joseph Jackson, USMC, dated 1918. Capt Jackson was a Distinguished marksman in 1913.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_04_2008/post-248-1207526281.jpg

Here is the reverse, note that it's engraved with his name and the 1918 date.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_04_2008/post-248-1207526290.jpg

Both photos courtesy of Bill on USMF Forums.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Likely many Marines have heard of these competitions, but how many of us have ever seen THESE being worn?


http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_12_2007/post-1519-1197822823.jpg




http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_12_2007/post-1519-1197822844.jpg

They were found at a flea market by a military collector. The name was buffed off the back. The Elliot is 14k gold, the Edson, 24K gold.

(Images from USMF)

[Sgt Leprechaun]

WWII or pre WWII era shooting badge, with 2 unusual bars.

Expert Bayonet, and Expert in "C W S Weapons".
That stands for 'chemical warfare service' and was things like smoke generators, flame throwers, and such.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_11_2007/post-98-1195399093.jpg

The reverse..

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_11_2007/post-98-1195399120.jpg

Images courtesy of US Military Forum, USMF for short.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

This one is sort of different. The information contained on this post is also courtesy of my friends at the US Military Forum website.



http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_08_2007/post-334-1187834249.jpg

The "ladder" badge is known as the M1937, and was actually authorized for wear until 1968. The 'small bore' bar was authorized for USMCR units who used a 22 caliber rifle for qualification purposes. Furthermore, if the 'small bore' bar had a prefix of "SS" or "EX", it meant Sharpshooter or Expert. Our Marine here was a Marksman.

The Marksman badge is likely WWII or just before that time period, as is the M1937.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Here's one you won't see every day for sure. These were strictly unauthorized, private purchase items, but were worn and used by Marines for sure! They date from the 1930's, or earlier, and likely weren't used after WWII. (Some were no doubt bought by Marines during WWII and used tho..)


http://bobhudson.com/ebay/egarifleman.jpg


The reverse


http://bobhudson.com/ebay/egariflemanback.jpg

Info from USMF

[Jonny Destroyer]

Very interesting stuff, SGT! Thanks for sharing these pieces of history with us :beer: