Errr...I think we are confusing each other now! All enlisted rank now have the star, from E-1 on up, such as the chart below. It is not subdued on the BDU or DCU uniform, nor on the metal collar/sweater...
<img src="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/intro/images/rank_enlist-usaf.gif" border=0>
Now, the old Amn, A1C and SrA stripes, where there was <b>no </b> star (or at least on the fatigue uniform* it was green like the background), those would be hard to find nowadays. I remember people used to refer to the "promotion" to buck sergeant as the "Bic promotion," as a lot of people would just ink in the star on their fatigues.
*<img src="http://afehri.maxwell.af.mil/images/afcross/etchber/etch1.jpg" border=0>
<i>Note: The above picture is Air Force Cross recipient Richard L. Etchberger. On 11 March 1968, CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger was manning a defensive position when the base was overrun by an enemy ground force. The enemy was able to deliver sustained and withering fire directly upon this position from higher ground. His entire crew dead or wounded, Chief Etchberger continued to return the enemy's fire thus denying them access to the position. During this entire period, Chief Etchberger continued to direct air strikes and call for air rescue on his emergency radio, thereby enabling the air evacuation force to locate the surrounded friendly element. When air rescue arrived, Chief Etchberger deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire in order to place his three surviving wounded comrades in the rescue slings permitting them to be airlifted to safety. As Chief Etchberger was finally being rescued, he was fatally wounded, by enemy ground fire. His fierce defense which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life, saved not only the lives of his three comrades but provided for the successful evacuation of the remaining survivors of the base.</i>
Cheers! M2
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
