WWII US Army Officer Service "Crusher" Cap
Item #: WR572
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This is a US Army officers service cap worn during World War II. This cap became synonymous with Army Air Force pilots during WWII, and that's where the nickname "crusher" came from. Officer's who were part of the crews of bombers often wore their service caps in flight, with headphones over the top of them. The facilitate a better and more comfortable fit, they removed the reinforcement bands, or stiffeners, from the hat. These bands are what gave the cap it's regulation appearance. The removal of them, in conjunction with the wear of headsets, allowed the sides of the cap to droop down, giving that "crushed" appearance. The service cap came in OD Green and worn with the winter uniform, and khaki color that was worn with the summer uniform. This winter service cap has that famous "crusher" look. It is made of OD wool gabardine with the mohair band around the bottom. There is one small moth nip on the top of the cap, towards the back. The mohair band is undamaged, but does have a small closure type hook added to the back. It is sewn on, and my guess is it was put there the allow the user to hang it up when not in use. The sweatband is still present, shows plenty of wear from use and most of the stitching is broken. It is embossed with "Hygieatan A CERTIFIED LEATHER ANTISEPTICALLY MADE". The brown leather visor is in good condition, yet still shows wear from use. The brown leather chin strap is secure, as well as the gilt service buttons attaching it to the cap.An officer's cap badge adorns the front of the cap, and has a nice mellow gold patina to it. The plastic sweat shield inside the cap is heavily discolored and stuck to the lining. A makers tag and size tag are sewn into the cap behind the sweatband. I can't make out the maker, but the size is a 7 1/8. Inked onto the back side of the sweatband is some interesting information. On the rear of the sweatband are three different hand printed sections. The first reads "HERB DERMAN/FIRST SERGEANT D BATTERY". Next is "RM 421/NORTH STADIUM/ ???". I can't make out the bottom line. The last section is also difficult to read, but the date of 4/12/40 is very legible. Not quite sure what the writing is all about, a First Sergeant would not have worn this cap with an officer's badge on it. Regardless, this OD Green service cap has the look of a salty old vet that's been there and done it! It displays great, and will make a nice addition to your WWII USAAF collection!
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