Becoming a Kings Pointer

Midshipman cap badge. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Single piece construction. Hallmark, V-21-N (Vanguard Industries). Circa 2006. This is the first in a series of articles where I explore the culture of the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy Regiment of Midshipmen. This first post focuses on the process of a Midshipman Candidate […]

U.S. Naval Reserve Insignia reprise

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Midshipman Identification badge. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Circa 2017. The Eagle Pin. Midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point met the proscription of the U.S. Naval Reserve badge from their uniforms of by the Chief of Naval Operations in June 2011 with mild derision. […]

Cenotaphs and Cemeteries

Maquette, American Merchant Mariners’ MemorialClay and painted wood.Artist: Marisol (Marisol Escobar)Located at: American Merchant Marine Museum. “The men of our merchant marine form the essential link between the home front and the millions of men in the armed forces overseas. These men, although relatively few in number – around 180,000 – performed an heroic task […]

U.S. Naval Reserve Insignia

U.S. Naval Merchant Marine Reserve insignia. Single construction. Eagle stamped brass with gold-plate. 1939-1940. badge: 2-3/4in from tip to tip of wings.   In October 1942, a curious chain of memoranda was passed between the New York State Maritime Academy Superintendent and various U.S. Navy officials. Prompted by Kings Point cadet uniforms having sewn on […]