Our USAAF Crush Caps are authentic reproductions of the classic “bomber pilot” headgear, worn by AAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific! “Crush caps” were actually 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) which 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 OD green caps were worn with the winter uniform and are most often associated with the European theater, while the khaki caps were worn with the summer uniform and are most often associated with the Pacific theater. Our USAAF Crush Caps includes leather visor and chin strap, buttons, and Officer’s cap device. Of course, the cap looks great when worn with an A-2 flight jacket and it’s the perfect topper for that authentic WWII vintage look. Made by the original WWII manufacturer, exclusively for US Wings! Colors: khaki or green. Made in the USA Check out our full line of Bomber jackets to complement your Crush cap at www.uswings.com. US Wings is a veteran-owned business and an official supplier to the US Military. US Wings is a verified SAM Contractor and DLA Supplier and is officially listed as a manufacturer/retailer in the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA) Made in the USA database.
. |
What's New at US Wings
USAAF Crush Caps
11
Aug
Aug
