Eight Pointed Star on Army Tunic

[ketoujin]

Hi,
In the pic showing the probably Japanese Merchant Marine cap badge, an eight-pointed star with a shovel-like finial on the top point is also shown. I have seen this eight-pointed star on an Army Colonel's tunic beside the collar rank tabs. Could this star denote reserve status for all services then?

Best,
Gunnar

[Eric Doody]

Gunnar,

Excellent question!

Unfortunately, I have only seen the "eight-point compass star" on Navy insignia.

In a 1942 dated Japanese Navy seaman's handbook that I have, the "eight-point compass star" was noted as being for reserves.

Eric