Original Item: Only One Available. This visor cap, in summer Khaki issue color is used but very good condition, with the iconic crush shape. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Army Overseas insignia over a leather visor. It features fiber band construction and a leather sweatband which is in excellent condition. Overall condition is good with signs of use and age, it is the real deal. Size is marked 7 1/4, which is over a contract number of 73 - C - 31790 - 45, which indicates 1945 manufacture. This particular version has a metal retainer for the insignia, which also helped to hold the stiffener, which in this cap was actually a foam rubber ring. This cap is really in nice shape, with minimal staining and a plastic liner that has not deteriorated over time like so many have.

This is the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF officer 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.