U.S. MERCHANT MARINE STEWARD HALF MOON SOFT EPAULETS (GOLD & SILVER)

The Merchant Marine’s branch-of-service device for Stewards is the crescent moon, which traces its association with military food and supplies back to Napoleon’s introduction of crescent-shaped bread into the rations for the Grande Armée; the crescent shape itself was said to be inspired by the defeat of the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Vienna. Following its adoption by the U.S. Army as the symbol for its Commissary Corps during the Civil War, the crescent began to be used by other military branches and in other nations as a symbol of food and supplies. It is now an internationally recognized emblem of food, rations, and supplies.

Today, the Steward Department’s crescent moon is one of a mere handful devices you might see worn by licensed officers on a Merchant Marine vessel; others include a vertical fouled anchor for Deck Officers (think Line Officers), a three-bladed propeller (Engineers), and a pair of crossed quill pens (Purser). During the heyday of the U.S. Maritime Service, the training organization created to oversee the development of Merchant Marine personnel, other branch-of-service devices included an oak leaf (Supply), lightning flashes (Radio), and a caduceus (Hospital).
Rank
Type
Price
$27.59usd
Quantity

About us

As a certified manufacturer of uniforms and insignia, The Salute Uniforms considers it a privilege to provide the members of our nation’s military services with superior-quality apparel and accoutrements. We guarantee that every product we offer is made in the USA and meets or surpasses Mil-Spec standards. Browse our online catalog and discover how our tradition of excellence and commitment to innovation makes us your best source for military uniforms, insignias, medals, and accessories.

SECURE PAYMENT

100% secure payment

Salute Industries Inc, proud maker of The Salute Uniforms.
105 Apache Drive, Archdale, NC, 27263.