WHY IS A COLONEL CALLED A "KERNAL"? The Origin of American Ranks and Insignia

Short. Quick. Entertaining. A marvelously fun read! Raymond Oliver then the Curator for the McClellan Aviation Museum (now the Aerospace Museum of California) was once asked by a colonel why her title was pronounced kernal and where her eagle insignia originated? That simple question began a quest to trace the development of various categories of rank. What began as a paper however soon developed into a booklet which eventually wound up as this book. Have you ever asked yourself questions like: Why is Colonel pronounced kernal? Why does a Lieutenant General outrank a Major General? Why is Navy Captain a higher rank than Army-Air Force-Marine Captain? Why do Sergeants wear chevrons? If you are in the military this book will give you a deeper appreciation for your rank and insignia-and you might find yourself wearing it with even more pride. If you have not been in the service or are a family member of one who is this book might help to put an historical perspective on the often confusing layers of rank. Either way: military ex-military soon-to-be military friend or family... its a delight!