U,S, ARMY MARKSMANSHIP AWARDS, 1885-1920 BY: MAJ, WILLIAM K, EMERSON

Initial designs for the Army’s Marksman Bar and Sharpshooter Cross were discussed in The Medal Collector January 1978 [Vol. 29, No. I, pp. 4-8]. These are shown in Figure One. In 1885 these badges were replaced by those silver insignia shown in Figures Two and Three.I The Chief of Ordnance reported the 1888 issue of 2680 Marks- man Pins and 463 Sharpshooter Badges to the Regular Army.2

FIGURE ONE. The Original Marksman and Sharpshooter Badges.

Men wore the Marksman’s Bar only during the year of qualifica- tion. If requalification was not achieved or if Sharpshooter’s level was attained, the Marksman Bar was no longer worn.~ Regula- tions specifically prohibited the wearing of both the Marksman’s

i. Annual Report, Chief of Ordnance, 1885, Appendix C. 2. Annual Report, Chief of Ordnance, 1888, Page 36. 3. 1924 Small Arms Firing Manual, Para. 264.

Bar and the Sharpshooter’s Cross together, although many private manufacturers did make and sell such badges, Figure Four. Prior to World War I these were commonly worn.

FIGURE TWO. The Silver 1885-1921 Regular Army Rifle Sharpshooter’s Badge.

FIGURE THREE. A Silver 1885-1921 Regular Army Rifle Marksman’s Bar.

In 1903 the grade of Expert Rifleman was established as a grade higher than Sharpshooter but below distinguished.4 By June 1904 the Chief of Ordnance reported that principal new work undertaken included the manufacture of expert badges.5 This silver badge is shown in Figure Five, and once earned could be worn even if subse- quent qualification was not obtained.~ Several construction styles were used by Rock Island Arsenal.

4. General Order No. 20, 1903; 1904 Small Arms Firing Manual, Para. 263. 5. Annual Report, Chief of Ordnance, 1904, Page 48. 6. General Order No. 20, 1903, Para. 37.

FIGURE FOUR. Unauthorized But Widely Worn, this Combination Badge was Popular at the Turn of the Century.

Initiated in 1903 was a special course "A". This course was prescribed for Coast Artillery troops and troops who did not have access to the standard i000 yard range.? A different silver badge, Figure Six, was issued for special course "A".8 If a man qualified at least three different years on special course "A", a pin was issued which specified the various qualification years. This sep- arate pin was worn above the "A" course badge,9 and was revoked in 1907.1D

Once a man qualified as Sharpshooter or Expert he could wear the Silver Badge even if he did not requalify. After three years of qualification, a Silver Bar bearing the years was added between the Bar and the Pendant.II Two such bars for Sharpshooter and one for Expert are shown in Figure Seven.

In December 1907 three gold color Pistol Badges were established for the Militia.12 These are in Figures Eight, Nine and Ten. As with Regular Army Silver Rifle Badges, a Bar was to be issued for

7. General Order No. 20, 1903, Para. 34; 1906 S~all Arms Firing Manual, Para. 148. 8. 1904 Small Arms Firing Manual, Para. 265. 9. Ibid.

i0. War Dept. General Order No. 7, Para. II. ii. 1898 Small Arms Firing Manual, Para. 453. 12. War Dept. Circular 85, 16 December 1907.