WWII, UNITED STATES NAVY, U.S.N. SPECIALIST, MAIL CLERK, 3rd CLASS, RED ON BLUE, RATE Specialist X: Air Station Operations, Artist, Cartographer, Intelligence, Key Punch Operator, Pigeon Trainer, Plastics Expert, Public Information, Special Projects, Strategic Services, Switchboard Operator, Topographic Draftsman, other specialists not otherwise classified. The Specialist rating was created in late 1941 to allow for new enlisted ratings that would be needed in wartime but didn't fall within the established navy structure. Specialists could be appointed directly from civilian life to any petty officer grade depending upon their skill level. For more detailed information see John Stacey, United States Navy Rating Badges and Marks 1833 to 2008, ASMIC Pubs, 2008.