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The Developing Years
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National Park Service Uniforms The Developing Years 1932-1970 |
Number 5 |
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Another problem arose as to what configuration the "five-year" stars should assume on the sleeve of a ranger attaining twenty-five years' service. The regulations stated: "When more than one star is worn, they shall be arranged horizontally up to four and triangularly when more than four stars are worn." This regulation left a lot of latitude in what was meant by "triangularly". It was finally decided that when five stars were to be used, there would be four across the bottom with the fifth centered above. [26] Subsequent stars would contribute to an expanding pyramid. Stars came in units of one to six. Units of one to four were arranged horizontally, while five and up were to be arranged triangularly. (seven stars were grouped in a unit of three over a unit of four; eight stars were grouped in a unit of three over a unit of five; etc.)
Since the National Park Service apparently was not going to try for a special dispensation from the War Production Board, Fechheimer Brothers did it. In a memorandum dated August 20, 1942, Acting Regional Director Herbert Maier advised Region Four field areas that Fechheimer Brothers had "obtained an A-10 Preference Rating Certificate on National Park Service uniform materials . . . will be able to supply the standard National Park Service uniform without regard to the provisions of Conservation Order M-73-a." He further stated that "The Washington Office does not think it wise to revoke the emergency modifications of the National Park Service Uniform Regulations, but uniformed personnel may purchase and wear the previously standard uniforms so long as they are obtainable." [27]
 Five rangers at the dedication ceremony of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, April 12, 1946. This image illustrates that the even though the ranger's sleeve brassard went out in the late 1930's, at least two were still being worn as late as 1946. Doust must be mimicking Roosevelt with his cigarette holder. Left to right: Supt. Floyd Taylor; Chief Ranger Harry "Light-horse" Doust; Rangers: Joseph Prentice; Bernie Campbell; [Edwin "Mac" Dale(?)] NPSHPC-HFC#86-208 |
The above is most interesting in light of a memorandum from Acting Director Tolson to the regional directors dated April 1, 1943. In it, Tolson quotes the purchasing officer of the Department of the Interior from a letter of March 20, 1943:
"We have your memorandum of March 3, relative to General Conservation Order M-73 for woolen materials in which you requested that we secure an A-10 priority rating from the War Production Board.
"We have been informally advised by the War Production Board that the National Park Service would be included under item 5 of paragraph (k), which reads as follows:
"'Federal;, State, County, Municipal or local government policemen, guards or militia.' " [28]
If Fechheimer had obtained an A-10 priority as was previously stated, why was Interior still pursuing it in 1943?
After the successful conclusion of the conflict, the National Park Service, along with the rest of the country, was freed from the wartime restrictions. The uniform committee was back in business and as predicted by Preston in 1942, many new ideas had developed during the intervening years.
Among other things, returning uniformed Park Service employees were allowed to wear their military uniforms on duty, along with any decorations, for 60 days. Thereafter they had to don their Park Service uniform but were still authorized to wear "any ribbons to which they are entitled for service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard." This allowance was loosely interpreted, because photographs show rangers wearing military medals and decorations, as well as ribbons. This practice continued until rescinded by the 1961 Uniform Regulations.
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Last Modified: Wed, Feb 7 2001 11:30:00 pm PDT
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