Hats and Caps in WW II Field or Combat Uniforms

Hats and caps were used in a wide variety by U.S. military services during World War II, far too many for efficient supply. There was headgear for winter and summer, for officers and enlisted men, for many specialized tasks, and for special forces such as tank crews or airborne. During the course of the war there was a partially successful attempt to standardize on a much smaller number of types that would serve all needs across the global conflict.

Some of the Hats and Caps Used in World War II, OQMG Photo
Some of the Hats and Caps Used in World War II, OQMG Photo.

Today in WW II: 4 Jul 1942 German bombers and submarines sink 24 ships of Convoy PQ 17 to the Soviet Union after the convoy spread out in the Arctic Ocean to evade the German battleship Tirpitz.  More ↓
4 Jul 1942 US Eighth Air Force flies its first mission in Europe using six borrowed British planes; only three aircraft returned.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Hats and Caps in the World War II U.S. Military

Group of officers and enlisted men in service caps and garrison caps, during WW II.
Group of officers and enlisted men in service caps and garrison caps, during World War II.

This section of Olive-Drab has detailed information and photos for the most common types of hats and caps, the ones you will most likely see in photos of the war or the ones that will be used by reenactment groups for authenticity. Bear in mind that there are many exceptions and many small variations within these basic types.

Click on the link to go to the specialized page for each type of hat or cap:

Soldier wearing garrison cap with Combined Airborne insignia, including both the Glider and the Parachute.
Soldier wearing garrison cap with Combined Airborne insignia, including both the Glider and the Parachute.

Find More Information on the Internet

There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there.

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