Ordnance sergeant

Ordnance sergeant was an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army for the latter two thirds of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The Confederate States Army also had ordnance sergeant position during its existence. Ordnance sergeants were assigned to deal with weapons and ammunition. In both armies the rank insignia consisted of three inverted chevrons with a 5-pointed star above it.

The United States Congress authorized ordnance sergeants in 1832. There were 44 of them on duty by 1833. Ordnance sergeant was eliminated as a rank by War Department Circular No. 303 on 5 August 1920. The top twenty-five percent of the ordnance sergeants were converted to master sergeants and the remainder were converted to technical sergeants.

Provisions of the United States Army Regulations of 1861 affected ordnance sergeants, as well as other soldiers. The Secretary of War selected ordnance sergeants from the sergeants of the line of the Army. A nominee had to be recommended by his chain of command. Nominees must have served eight years, of which four had to be as non-commissioned officer. The number of ordnance sergeants could not exceed one per military post." An ordnance sergeant ranked below a quartermaster sergeant of a regiment and above a first sergeant. An ordnance sergeant was responsible for the care of the ordnance, arms, ammunition and other military stores on a post.

Ten of the fifteen members of the Ordnance Corps who have been awarded Medals of Honor served as ordnance sergeants at some point in their careers.

The Confederate States Army authorized the rank of ordnance sergeant on 16 April 1862. Every regimental commanding officer was required to select one of his non-commissioned officers best qualified for the position of ordnance sergeant, appoint him to the position of acting ordnance sergeant, and report all appointment to the chief of the ordnance bureau.

During the entire civil war the Confederate Ordnance Bureau was commanded by Colonel (later Brig. Gen.) Josiah Gorgas. Provisions of the General Order 24 dated 16 April 1862 affecting ordnance sergeants included:

The Chief of Ordnance specified the following "Duties of Ordnance Sergeants:"

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