AboutJohn Vargas Expertise I can answer both specific and general questions about US Army, and Naval Aviation from 1913 to 1946, and WWII US Airborne, to include key personalities, units, commands, and doctrines.
My specialty is US Aviation Badges (all Branches of the Service, from WWI to the Present), US Airborne Badges (from WWII to the Present) as well as Aviation, Airborne, and Infantry Insignia (from WWI to the Present), both authorized and unauthorized, of the period.
I have access to a vast library of text that is specific to this period of history.
Experience I have over 20 years experience in collecting and cataloging WWI, and WWI US Army Aviation, WWI, and WWII US Naval Aviation, and US Airborne Badges and Insignia.
I was the former assistant curator at the Gen. Wm. C. Lee Airborne Museum, when I lived in NC.
I am a consultant on regular basis to many museums (including the USAF, and the Institute of Heraldry), and I am regularly called upon to authenticate US Aviation Badges and Insignia (all Branches of the Service) for Fine Auctions Houses such as Bonham’s and Butterfields, and many others.
Education/Credentials I am perusing an advanced degree in history with a concentration in WWI, and WWII US Aviation (Ph.D.)
I spent several years on Active Duty in the US Army as a Paratrooper.
Question John, If you don’t mind I would like your help translating my dads army discharge. Thanks for your time. Edward
Answer Hello Edward,
I am more than happy to help you with your Dads Army Discharge Papers.
Here is a brief synopsis of what you sent me.
He was a Volunteer in WWII…not a draftee, which is what the ERS stands for Enlisted Reserve…if he was drafted he would have AUS (Army of the United States) in block number 5 “COMPONENT”. Look at Enlisted Record and Report of Separation Honorable Discharge.
Your Dad served 2 years Nine Months and 17 Days in the United States Army, his Branch was Air Corps…A.C. (Block 4), and was in the US Army Air Forces.
He held two jobs…
1. He was a Toxic Gas Handler, meaning that he would actually deal with deadly chemicals and Gasses.
2. He was a Clerk Non-Typist, meaning that switched his Job called a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) when they figured they didn’t need him to mix poisonous gases at the end of the war…he probably filed paperwork as he didn’t type.
TOXIC GAS HANDLER (786)
Chemical Equipment Operator Chemical Handler
Chief Toxic Gas Handler Toxic Gas Guard
Stores and handles toxic gases and other chemical warfare ammunition preliminary to their use in the field or analysis in a laboratory.
Observes and enforces safety regulations pertaining to proper handling of chemical warfare sup plies. Removes contents of chemical shells, de contaminating them for future use. Prepares and maintains various forms necessary to procure and keep on hand adequate ammunition stock. Classifies and distributes ammunition. Must be familiar with effects of common toxic gases and first-aid treatments prescribed for each. Must be thoroughly familiar with regulations pertaining to handling and storage of toxic gases. Must be able to change valves on containers and cylinders, and do pipe fitting as necessary.
When assigned to Army Air Forces, fills airplane chemical spray tanks with various toxic gases', and arms tanks for detonation. Decontaminates spray tanks. Must be familiar with procedures for loading spray tanks on various types of airplanes. Must be thoroughly familiar with operation of all equipment contained in the chemical service truck Ml. May be required to perform duty as chemical equipment operator, requiring qualification as operator of Army motor vehicle.
CLERK, GENERAL (055)
Account Clerk File Clerk
Audit Clerk Historical Clerk
Bookkeeper Librarian
Clerk (Non typist) (AAF) Mail Orderly
Dispatcher-Clerk (Crew) Processor
Dispatcher-Clerk, Motor Vehicle Proofreader
Ditto or Mimeograph Machine - Record Clerk
Operator Statistical Clerk
Performs a variety of clerical tasks in connection with the operation of a military unit.
Compiles and files reports and statistics. Tabulates and posts data in record books. Takes telephone messages and gives information to callers. Checks calculations and makes simple bookkeeping entries. Sorts and distributes mail. Duplicates orders, memoranda and bulletins using mimeograph and ditto machine
Must be familiar with military office procedure and must understand military correspondence and filing.
(See Clerk-Typist 405 for jobs requiring typing.)
Your Dad spent all of WWII here in the US, and in England. He spent 1 year, 2 months, and 9 days Continental United States (CONUS), and 1 year, 7 months, and 1 day in the England.
Your Dad Enlisted and probably took Basic Training at Camp Wolters, TX.
Here are the Medals, Certificates, and Discharge you Dad earned, in the order of precedence.
Good Conduct Medal…it isn’t listed on the 50-53, but this is a typographical error, as it shows that your Dad did not have any disciplinary infractions and in fact was awarded a Meritorious Service Certificate from the United States Army Air Forces. This can be amended by asking for an amendment to his AGO 50-53.
