Named WWII Era Navy CPO Rate + Insignia

I just came across this one and thought I would share it.

First a little about this patch. About twenty years ago I had a buddy who worked at a well known US military museum. The routinely received copious amounts of donated gear. Uniforms, helmets, medals, everything and anything you could imagine. One day I was there visiting and noticed some stuff laying on the floor of his office. It was a khaki CPO tunic and tucked inside was an overseas hat. He asked if I wanted it as it was going to be "donated"........... yeah, don't ask. You know what it meant. I vaguely recall walking out with the tunic and several flight helmets.

Anyway, I had no use for this and no "real" interest back then other than I thought it was cool looking. A divorce and lack of room caused me to do something I would consider unconscionable now. I cut the insignia off and sold the jack & hat...........

I have held onto this all along and now have a deeper appreciation for these items. I do recall that I was smart enough to records the Chief's name. So now I present to you, the Rate, hash marks and hat insignia for Chief Petty Officer / Aviation Maschinist (AD) Francis E. Cook.