Military USAAF Crush Cap

Our WWII USAAF Crush Cap is the classic “bomber pilot” headgear was worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. The standard Army/AAF officer’s dress cap worn by pilots and non-pilots alike. Pilots gave this cap their own unique twist with removing the stiffeners. They were a support piece behind the cap device and 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 for more comfort. This caused 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.