In 1955 the Service considered changing the badge and memos were sent out soliciting suggestions from the men in the field. The NPSHC has two, possibly three, of these "proposed" badges. The first two, developed by Frank F. Kowski, had the Service's new arrowhead emblem supplanting the eagle in the center. A number of these were struck, including at least one gold-plated example, but the idea did not catch on and it was dropped. It was also suggested that an enameled badge of the arrowhead be used, but this brought forth vigorous protestations from the field. [21]

The other possible 1955 candidate has a more obscure history. It was purchased on the outside and donated to the National Park Service History Collection. It is assembled from parts of a park ranger badge and an assistant superintendent badge. The badge parts are stamped in unplated brass, using what appears to be the "National Park Ranger" badge die. A piece of brass was cut to match the shape of the shield of the badge, only 1/8-inch larger all around. The center was then cut out to accommodate the ranger badge. Two parallel lines are engraved around the 1/8-inch border. The top of the shield, with fine "U.S. PARK RANGER," along with a short section of the two center stripes, was then separated from the badge. This was soldered inside the top of the brass border. A short section of the bottom of the two center stripes was also cut out and soldered to the bottom of the border. A 1-1/4-inch brass circle was then soldered as a bridge between the top and bottom sections of the center stripes. On top of this brass circle is mounted a silver-plated assistant superintendent's badge. The rest of the badge is unplated brass.

When new uniform regulations were issued in October, 1956, the current badge design remained in effect, but the gold plated ranger badge was now authorized to be worn by the chief park naturalist, chief park historian and chief park archaeologists as well as the chief park ranger. At the same time the permanent and seasonal assistant chief park rangers were relegated to wearing the silver badge of the rangers.

In addition to the above, the "park guide" badge was discontinued, it is not known at this time what badge, if any, the guides wore in performing their duties.

Apparently none of the designs submitted for the new badge were satisfactory because on March 8, 1957, Assistant Director Hillory A. Tolson stated in an amendment to the uniform regulations that "As the result of a survey conducted by this Office, it has been determined that there shall be no change made at this time in the design of the badges worn by Service uniformed personnel..."