U.S. Navy V-7 program insignia at Columbia and Ft. Schuyler

U.S. Navy V-7 midshipman cap badge.Single piece construction.Fouled anchor; gold-filled.Late Second World War era. Almost twenty years ago I read Herman Wouk’s 1951 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Caine Mutiny.  Recalling Captain Queeg, ball bearings, and strawberries, I recently decided to re-read the novel.  The work fashions a re-creation of the culture of urgency that both […]

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 […]