Signalman · Merged into QM, effective April 2, 1948
MEDIUM CONFIDENCE, operator-approved dual-cited exception. Lewis supplies the directional statement 'Merged into QM' and the 1941-1948 Signalman span; its printed p. 1 says the compilation is not an official reference guide. The contemporaneous September Bulletin says the Coast Guard effected its new rating structure on 2 April 1948 and that active QM personnel covered both quartermaster and signalman duties, while Reserve emergency QMQ and QMS remained distinct. The date is therefore tied to the overhaul; the missing implementing circular prevents high confidence.
Sources
- Dana Lewis, U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Ratings: Rating Specialty Marks & Distinguishing Marks, 1915-2015 (printed p. 35 / PDF p. 36, Signalman (SM) entry)
- U.S. Coast Guard Bulletin, vol. 4, no. 3, September 1948, 'New Rating Structure' (article 'New Rating Structure,' printed pp. 25-26 / PDF pp. 5-6)