Original U.S. Vietnam War Era Major Leonard Phillips OG-106 Cap with 19th Special Forces Group Airborne Green Beret
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Original Items: Only One Lot Available. This intriguing collection features two iconic pieces of headgear from the Vietnam War era - an officer’s "Ball Cap" and the prestigious Green Beret. We acquired these from a small private museum collection along with an old tag that attributes the caps to “COLONEL LEONARD B. PHILLIPS U.S.A.”, and another tag that reads “WORN IN VIETNAM 1966-67”. We had a similar set named to Phillips in the past, and this came out of the same collection, but these are the only items we have to Phillips.
According to the tags, these items belonged to Major/Colonel Leonard Phillips of the 19th SFG, but we have been unable to verify his official service records let alone locate them. Nevertheless, this set presents a unique research opportunity for anyone interested in uncovering the story behind these remarkable artifacts and the Major who wore them!
This beret is a remarkable example of British craftsmanship, sold by the renowned Morry Luxenberg CO. Military Outfitters of New York. There is a Major’s rank affixed above a small blue flash. The small flash on the front is a striking light blue hue, flanked by pristine white borders. It's worth noting that this is the correct flash for the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne). The brass-colored Oak Leaf rank insignia on the front is a beautiful touch that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the beret. It denotes the rank of Major, and the craftsmanship is impeccable with great detail. The beret has a size marking of 7-⅜.
The baseball cap is in rougher shape than the beret. As a field-worn item, it bears the marks of extensive use. The sun has faded its color, and the feel is "crusty," presumably due to the humidity in a tropical environment. The front of the cap displays embroidered insignia, a Major Oak Leaf, and Jump Wings. The sweatband, however, is quite stiff and brittle, and it's vital to handle it with care. All six grommets on top are retained, and the cap is in great shape overall with the stitching along the visor fully intact. The cap has a size marking of 59 cm, which translates to US hat size 7-⅜.
The OG 106 cap, also known as the "Ranger Cap," was first introduced by the US Army in the 1950s and was widely worn by soldiers during the Vietnam War. The Green Beret, on the other hand, was a symbol of distinction and prestige, worn only by members of the elite Special Forces units.
A lovely pair of items ready for further research and display.
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