USAAF WWII Officer's "Fifty mission crush" Visor Cap 

A “fifty mission crush” is an Army Air Corps, or Air Force, service cap that has the stiffening ring removed (or produced without stiffener) and is worn crushed and battered. This cap is obviously out of uniform, however steeped in tradition. This tradition was started by the 8th Air force flying personnel as a mark that separates the fledgling from the battle hardened survivor of 50 combat missions. This mangled cap was frowned upon, but tolerated for those who earned the right to wear it.

An olive drab fur felt top , with a brown leather visor, brown leather chin strap and brass buttons. Army officer’s cap badge is die-struck alloy with a fire gilt finish. A pair of painted, metal grommets is under each side of the crown. The chin strap is held in place by a pair of small brass buttons. The brown leather sweatband has a small paper label with the size”6 7/8″ to it. The full sweat shield is sewn to the interior of the cap with a manufacture label which is hard to read. But we can clearly see the cap was produced in Chicago. The cap is a true crusher and was produced without internal stiffener. The cap is in good, still well used condition. No holes, rips or mendings. The cap is also in a very nice shape!.

Desirable true 50th mission officer’s crusher cap!!