Badge, Machine gun, B.A.R., Rifle, Expert

Genuine WWII US Expert badge, with Expert, Rifle, B.A.R., Machine gun bars.

The U.S. Army created its first musketry proficiency badges circa 1880 to reward marksmen. According t the system enacted in 1921, three basic badges indicated the degree of proficiency, andadditional bars specific weapons or courses.

The three badges were:

- Marksman, Second-class Gunner. Minimum score of 60-77 % of points, depending on the weapon or qualification course.

- Sharpshooter, First-class Gunner. 78-87 % of points.

- Expert. 85-91 % of points.