US Army Fatigue Hat Question............

C

Contender

New member
Was watching Goldfinger the other night and noticed the flat top style fatigue hat worn by US Army personnel.

What time period was this hat in use? Anybody with a little history on it? I've seen pictures of troops in the 60's with the baseball cap type hat but never the flat top.

Just curious.
 
Pretty sure it's 50's through mid-60's. I think you'll find pictures of guys in the Korean war wearing them. I know dad had some when I was an itty bitty kid, which was early-mid 60's. Don't remember seeing them after dad came back from Nam, which was '67. Based on Sam's post, I'd say they were fading out then. Probably the Castro influence ;)
 
As one of a few COF's on TFL, I can answer your question. The flat top hat was the Ridgeway Hat, named for US Army General Matthew Ridgeway, who was in the Korean Conflict. The hat came in in the early 50's and was gone about 65-66.

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You have to be there when it's all over. Otherwise you can't say "I told you so."

Better days to be,

Ed
 
I believe General Ridgeway deserves more credit than he is given. Certainly more than a hat named after him.

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Hoka-hey
 
We were issued the floppy sloppy fatigue cap in 1953. We couldn't wear them though. They made us go to the PX and buy the flat top cap.

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Trespassers will be violated.
 
U.S. Army, 1959-'61. Issued the fatigue or soft cap for all training, The flat top was for wearing with nice, clean, pressed fatigues, when not training (inf.) I can't remember if we were issued a flat top,or had to buy it at the PX.

J.B.
 
I was only a young'n in the 60's but I do have a 1965 GI JOE that came with the flat top green cap you describe. I hope this helps.... No Flame intended.
 
Thanks guys for the info.

Just goes to show you even the little things have a story behind them.

Forgot about the GI Joe and the Castro look too. ;)

I think they were kinda sharp looking from a dress standpoint.


[This message has been edited by Contender (edited September 04, 2000).]
 
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