Mr. Smith’s discharge paper identifies him as being “Tec 4 Signal Corps.” The Signal Corps is the branch of the United States Army that generally manages communication and other aspects of military intelligence. The “Tec 4″ is short for “Technician Fourth Class” and identifies both Smith’s pay level and rank. Tec 4 was the equivalent of a Sergeant, as we can see by looking at Smith’s (pictured on the left wearing glasses) shoulder chevron. Technicians usually worked in a technical field that was their specialty, including photographers. Could this be why Smith was there?
Technicians were also identified by a “T” placed under their chevron. The gentleman in the lower left of the following picture is a “Tec 5,” which was equivalent to the rank of corporal.
Let’s imagine that we do not have Smith’s discharge papers. What clues in these photos could have we used to identify him as part of the Signal Corps?
Recognize these faces? If you have any information to share about the posted photographs, please leave a comment below!
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