They did exist in WWII, and favorite the expression to a "bitcher" was "go see Sgt so and so, and get your card punched, he is in charge of "TS" Cards today." I have an original, they were printed locally in wallet size. I seem to get the impression they were more prevalent in the AAF.
Bill W. has the punch.
44 MB 356378- 54 M-38A1-41 CCKW 352-51 M-37-42TW6-45MBT-43 M1 BOMB LIFT (WEAVER)- RECORD SETTING HONOR GRADUATE Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics School, U.S. ARMY 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL 1962 - MVPA 1064 - RED BALL CHAPTER - PHONY VETERAN HEADHUNTER - ARMY FIXED & ROTARY WING MECHANIC/CREWCHIEF-STILL FIT WARBIRD COCKPITS