US Navy Patch - Unknown Rating

[LoyalHistorian]

I picked this up in an antique shop today for $3. I know the basic US Navy ratings, but I didn't recognize this one. Because of that, I assumed this was probably from the '60s or '70s at the earliest. It was cheap, so I grabbed it. I thought I'd be able to look it up pretty easily, but I'm having problems finding it. Can anyone help?

I know it's a Petty Officer Third Class, but I have no idea what the rating is. After trying to search online, parts of it look like a Cryptologic Technician with the quill and lightning bolt (only flipped), the three wavy lines remind me of a Postal Clerk (but not enough lines), the circle shape looks like it could be a key like a Ship's Serviceman or a magnifying glass like an Intelligence Specialist.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or answers!

-Robyn

[reneblacky]

Not sure but it looks like it has part of a Cryptologic technician rating (as you have written). Not sure what the horizontal part represents? This one from my ref doesn't fall into the WW2 category.
USN WW2 Enlisted Ratings

[LoyalHistorian]

Rene, that is a great WWII USN reference site. I have bookmarked it on my computer for future use. Thank you for that!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it looks like the Cryptologic Technician. But, yes, that is my problem too...I have no idea what the horizontal part means. Under one source showing ratings it lists other types of CTs: Administrative, Interpretive, Maintenance, Communications, Collection, and Technical. I've tried looking up these CT variations, thinking maybe they would have different symbols for each but I only get the quill and lightning bolt as a result. I'm hoping someone will have some insight on this.

[Rakkasan187]

It is a head scratcher..

I am reaching out to some Navy friends..

Smitty

It may be an error patch where they combined the CT and old Postal Clerk ratings...

Someone else asked the same question several years ago...

What is this specialty mark please? : navy

[LoyalHistorian]

Smitty, I appreciate it. I bought it because it looked unusual to me, and I like researching things...so I guess I asked for this quandary, right? Haha! Plus, it was a very, very small investment, so if it turned out to be nothing, it's not like I'm at a loss.

Thanks again for taking the time to ask your friends, and please thank them for me for looking at it.

-Robyn

[Rakkasan187]

Robyn,

I found it,,

It is the TELEMAN Rating.. "Crossed quill pen and lightning bolt over a postal cancellation mark. Rating established in 1948, merged into Yeoman and Radioman in 1956; disestablished. Page 31.

Source: "Decorations, Medals, Ribbons, Badges of the United States Navy World War II to Present" by James G. Thompson, Copyright 2000

ISBN: 1-884452-50-7 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1-884452-51-5 (Softcover)

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 99-074241

There is a series of 4 books from this company "Medals of America"

USMC, US Army, US Navy, and Army Air Force and US Air Force..

Smitty

[LoyalHistorian]

Thank you SO much, Smitty! Wow, it's older than I thought it would be...I was thinking '60s or '70s. I'm even happier about 1948-1956, since it fits more into Korean War-era. Very neat...I'm glad I picked it up. I really appreciate you tracking that down for me!

I actually have the US Army book from that "Medals of America" series! Looks like I need to buy the other three, as well! Thanks again!

-Robyn