Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly remarkable example of a Korean War Era Ridgeway Cap, which came to us as being attributed to the renowned General Henry I. Hodes. Henry Irving Hodes was a distinguished military figure who held a prominent position as a four-star general in the United States Army. He served as Commander in Chief of the United States Army Europe and Commander of the Central Army Group from 1956 to 1959. During his tenure, General Hodes demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and played a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the US Army in Europe. His contributions to the Army's mission were invaluable and left a lasting impact on the military community.

The cap is in remarkable condition, showing signs of faithful wear without any significant damage. The cap's woolen fabric is still intact, and the visor is in excellent shape. The cap's color is still accurate, with only a slight fade, and it has retained its original rigid shape, which is a testament to its quality and durability.

This particular cap is a valuable piece of history, and its excellent condition makes it an exceptional addition to any collection of Korean War artifacts. It provides a glimpse into the lives of soldiers who fought in the war and is a reminder of the sacrifices they made.

The M1951 Field Cap, introduced with the M1951 Uniform, was a derivative of the M1943 Field Cap, part of the M1943 Uniform. The M1951 cap was worn in the Korean War, where it became known as the "patrol cap" by the US Army Rangers there. It was constructed of wind-resistant olive-drab cotton poplin, and had a flannel wool panel that folded down to cover the ears and the back of the head. It was soft enough to be worn underneath an M1 helmet.

After the Korean War, the cap was replaced by the Ridgeway Cap, a stiffened version of the M1951 made by Falcon and known as the Jump Up cap. The hat became famous outside America after being worn by Fidel Castro. The patrol cap was replaced altogether in 1962 with a baseball-like "Cap, Field (Hot Weather)"; during the Vietnam War in-country troops were issued the boonie hat.

A wonderful example ready for further research and display.

Henry I. Hodes
Henry I. Hodes was born in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 1899.

He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1920. Hodes began his military career in the horse mounted cavalry, in the Wyoming and Texas wilderness. He led the United States Army into the mechanized age of trucks, cars, jeeps, tanks, and airplanes. He attempted flying, but gave it up after a couple of crashes. His military career accelerated in World War II, which found him in the middle of war planning in Washington, D.C.

He was wounded twice in World War II, while serving with the 112th Infantry Regiment in France and Belgium. He returned to the war after receiving a shoulder wound, but was sent back to the US after receiving a head wound on September 20, 1944, which required hospitalization. Hodes became a brigadier general on January 25, 1945. Other assignments included Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Army from 1945 to 1949, Assistant Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division in 1949.

He served in the Korean War, where he was given the nickname "Hammering Hank". He served first as a field commander and later as a representative at Panmunjom – the Armistice Agreement with North Korea. His assignments during the war included Assistant Commanding General 7th Division from 1950 to 1951; Deputy Commanding General Eighth United States Army, 1951–52; and Commanding General 24th Division in 1952. He served as Commandant of the Command and General Staff College from 1952 to 1954, and was Commanding General, Seventh United States Army from 1954 to 1956. After serving in Korea, he returned to Germany. His service in post-war Europe was vital in the rebuilding efforts and designing defensive strategies opposite the communist Russians in East Germany and the Czech Republic, during the early 1950s.

He was promoted to the rank of general on June 1, 1956, and served as Commander in Chief, U.S. Army Europe and Commander, Central Army Group for NATO until his retirement from the Army on March 31, 1959.

He retired after serving more than 40 years in the US Army. He suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and died at Brooke General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas on February 14, 1962. He was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.