sorry for typos im typing on my phone today

Hello,

Do you know this site: http://www.517prct.org/photos/herbert_downs3/herbert_downs3.htm ?

I don't know whether it's another Herbert A. Downs or your grandpa, and written by your aunt or mother?

You probably read this thread in this forum: https://ww2combatengineers.comengforum/index.php?showtopic=5471 ?

And The History Of The 324Engineer https://ww2combatengineers.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/324thEngineeers/Derrick%20of%20Dauntless001.pdf ?

Christoph

Hello that is not my grandad but thanks for pulling that up. I've done a bit of poking around on his unit. Im looking for where he trained and where he was stationed and the time line. Also I've googled tec4 a bunch of times but I have no clear understand what it means. Some sites said it was a pay grade? Can anyone explain in laymans terms what tec4 means and what was required of a tec4? Also as a general question... But how were these men compEnsated during their service? im sure it wasn't likely they were handing out payroll on the battle field. Were checks sent home to the wife or mother of the servicemen? How did that work?

Also was there a pension associated with an injury? I've heard a few things that don't add up about grandad so I just need some clarification.

Lauren:

Hi, let me help you clarify a few things to begin with. Tec4 is a Sgt. They used these designations in engineer units during WWII. Basically it meant you had the rank of Sargent, but with technical skills.

My father was a Tec5, which meant he was a Corporal.

More in a bit. Getting my morning coffee...

There were THREE tech levels:

Technician 3rd Class - T/3 - Special skills and duties; = S/SGT rank

Technician 4th Class - T/4 - Special skills and duties; = SGT rank

Technician 5th Class - T/5 - Special duties, such as Mail Clerk ; = CPL rank

Okay, now onto pay scale during WWII...

Also, here's an interesting article written in Barron's National Business and Financial Weekly, April 24, 1944 by By Malvern Hall Tillitt

There was actually a PAYMASTER during the war. I am actually having a couple of vets write about their experiences to share with you later.

 

You probably read this thread in this forum: http://www.6thcorpsc...?showtopic=5471 ?

 

And The History Of The 324Engineer http://www.6thcorpsc...auntless001.pdf ?

 

Christoph

Yes, those two links above will give you an incredible amount of information on the 324th. The second link is a complete history which I recently acquired. Please take some time to read through the material, as you will find it quite enlightening.

:pdt12:

Oh my goodness! Thank you for this information!! I started reading derrick of dauntless but I think im going to print it out. Its interesting my grandad went thru England! I kinda had a feeling about that. I've kinda had a feeling about alot of things that have turned out to be true.. Kinda weird!! So.. Technical sergeant?? They worked the radios, no?

Radios are one possibility. Engineers had many skills. They are one fascinating group of soldiers, aren't they?

Make sure you check out my new post I started today (you inspired me). It's about soldiers pay during WWII. We've already had responses from several veteran's themselves.

https://ww2combatengineers.comengforum/index.php?showtopic=7766

Again, welcome and I'm glad you've already discovered new things.

Wow! Its exactly how I thought it didn't happen! I have a bazillion questions but im going to poke thru the posts more before I start asking things that may have been answered already.... Thanks for this!!

Sure thing. We are here to do our best. Glad we are putting you on the right road.

Interesting interview with one of the soliders from Company A 324th Combat Engineers... also a TEC4.

http://library.uncw.edu/capefearww2/voices/clayton_christensen038.html