U.S. Marine Corps, Enlisted Garrison Cap - WWII.
This woolen side cap is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) Garrison cap that was given to all enlisted Marines. They are flat, foldable hats, which will store flat and are therefore very convenient for barracks bag storage where the traditional bell crown head gear would previously take up too much space.
Flat side caps have their origins in Europe in the 1890s. They were introduced into the United States military during WWI, where both the U.S. Army and the USMC copied the French-style side cap. After their use in France, where their practicality was demonstrated, they were retained and eventually spread throughout the U.S. Armed Forces. They immediately became popular with flight-crews of all services.
This example is a WWII era USMC forest-green wool cap. It is the same cap that was given to officers and enlisted members alike and the only difference is that officers display the insignia of their grade on the right-hand side. The mid-20th century disparaging name for this cap used by the Marines was a "Piss Cutter".
All USMC personnel are authorized to wear the USMC Eagle, Globe and Anchor insignia on the left side.
Provenance: Acquired by purchase at the 22 July 2012, Bay Area Militaria Show, Naperdak Hall, San Jose, CA.
Sources:
Side Cap, Wikipedia, 31 July 2012, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrison_cap
Piss-cutter, The Urban Dictionary, 31 Jult 2012, from: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=piss-cutter
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
