![]() The notch on the tag ensured properly alignment when used with the addressograph. Think of it like a label maker meets the early carbon copy credit card devices. The device had a rubber pad and a ribbon so that the imprinted information from the tag could be transferred to paperwork. This addressograph was a hand held device that imprinted information from the dog tag onto documents. ![]() These dog tags were unitized in the field with a device referred to as an Addressograph Model 70. During World War II the US Army issued more rectangular shaped tags that featured a notch at one end. Putting fingerprints on tags was discontinued during the war, one can image this extensive process could have been part of the reason.Ī set of USCGR issued dog tags that belonged to Donald PiersonĪnother interesting aspect with some identification tags was their use with field paperwork. Etching the fingerprint was an interesting process involving ink, fine mineral powder, heating the tag, and a final stage that included a bath in acids and water. Since there was not a standard set for all branches of the armed service during the war the tags and information would vary, for instance, the USN would also include a fingerprint that was etched on the reverse side of each tag. As seen in the image, the tag included blood type information and if the person had been vaccinated for tetanus (show by the “T”) as well as when they received that tetanus shot (in this case September 1942). They also included pertinent medical information that could obviously be very important in a combat situation. Pierson was in the US Coast Guard Reserve (USGGR). This identification tag would include the individual’s name, service number and branch of service. They also made additions to the type of information recorded. During WWII the US Navy, as well as the US Coast Guard, made this a standard issue item. It was not until the latter half that they became standard issue. In first half of the 20th century some branches of the military only issued dog tags during times of war. Prior to this, a specialized metal (referred to as Monel) high in nickel content was used. During the latter part of WWII, these tags were made of brass or stainless steel. This set, as seen in the images, is more oval in shape and might not be what first comes to mind as military identification tag. In our collection we have a set of dog tags from the Pierson collection dating from World War II. During World War I dual tags were issued for field combat with additional information that included a serial number, name and occasional medical alerts stamped on the tag. It was not until the early 20 th century that the army recognized the importance and began to issue personal identification tags. They would sell pins with the soldiers name and unit engraved on it, and even made proposals to the US government to provide uniform identification discs. At the time, badge manufactures attempted to meet this need. Soldiers started pinning tags inside coats with important information about themselves. In the United States, forms of military personal identification can be traced to the Civil War. At the same time they were presented with this, they also were to swear a military oath of service. The signaculum would have their name etched on it as well as other information like legion they belonged to and start date of service. The signaculum was a pendant-like object made out of lead and was to be worn around their neck. If a potential soldier passed all the physical and medical requirements, they were presented with an object called a signaculum. In the Roman army, recruits would enter into service starting off in a training phase similar to what we would consider boot camp. The Imperial Roman army utilized identification tags for legionaries. However, the history of military identification tags is quite old, and not unique to United States. These tags varied through time in style, but always had personal information about the individual. The tags primary function was to be used for the identification of fallen and wounded soldiers. They were issued as part of the military uniform, but continued to serve as personal keepsake for family members. Personal identification tags or commonly referred to as dog tags are an object that most of us are familiar with maybe seeing them in movies or first hand from a family member.
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