Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. One of the most iconic pieces of headgear to come out of WWII was the U.S. Crusher Cap, or “Fifty Mission Cap”. This visor cap, in winter OD green issue color, was worn by Lieutenant Walter O. Franks, pilot in the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group The outward appearance is worn and faded from honest use, and decades of storage wear. It retains the original iconic "crush" shape. There is no maker mark and no size mark, though it is roughly size 7.

This is a great example of a “True Crusher”, identifiable by the wrap-around chinstrap that covers the entire circumference of the cap. A cap made to be a crusher has a thin single layer leather visor (Bancroft Flighter being one of the most famous) and a body that was flexible so they could be stuffed into a pocket.

This is the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF officer dress cap, worn by pilots and non-pilots alike, but pilots gave this cap their own unique twist. Normally, this cap had stiffeners -- a support piece behind the cap device and a wire around the inside top perimeter to maintain the cap's round shape. These kept the cap in its proper, regulation military shape and angle. However, since bomber pilots wore headsets over their caps during flights, they would remove the wire stiffener to make headset wear more comfortable, causing the sides of the caps to become crushed. Eventually, the caps retained their floppy "crushed" look, giving the pilot who wore it the look of a seasoned veteran. 

The celluloid sweat protector is heavily torn and broken. On the interior is a calling card showing heavy wear and stitching residue, reading:

WALTER O. FRANKS

Lieutenant, Air Corps
ARMY OF UNITED STATES

We found a 1945 article showing that Franks and his wife had to wait two years for him to return from the war to go on their honeymoon. It notes that Franks was a 26-year-old B-24 bomber pilot, veteran of 35 missions over enemy territory, 34 of them over Germany. He was in service 27 months and for nearly a year was overseas with the 44th Bombardment Group, “softening up” such vital German spots as Kiel, Munster, Munich, and Berlin. He was awarded the Air Medal with four OLCs and the ETO ribbon with two stars. He has 795 air hours to his credit.

An outstanding visor, ready for display.