Original Item: Only One Available. Extremely high quality visor cap, in winter green issue which is nicely marked in the crown REGULATION ARMY OFFICERS SERVICE CAP. Hat is offered in very good condition with the iconic "crush" shape. The interior leather sweatband is in great condition and still bears the original size label of 6 7/8. Leather chinstrap was removed which was sometimes done by the officer's themselves. Interior vapor barrier shows age, otherwise an excellent condition cap.

This is the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF officer's dress cap, worn by pilots and non-pilots alike, but pilots gave this cap their own unique twist. Normally, this cap had stiffeners -- a support piece behind the cap device and a wire around the inside top perimeter to maintain the cap's round shape. These kept the cap in its proper, regulation military shape and angle. However, since bomber pilots wore headsets over their caps during flights, they would remove the wire stiffener to make headset wear more comfortable, causing the sides of the caps to become crushed. Eventually, the caps retained their floppy "crushed" look, giving the pilot who wore it the look of a seasoned veteran.

The crush cap identified its wearer as an experienced pro, and was as much a part of his identity as his leather flight jacket. The crush cap look quickly became popular with ground army officers and general officers such as the case with this example that was worn by a doctor in the USAAF.