Korean War USN Officer's Khaki "Bostonian" Service Cap by Boston Uniform Co. Identified to Ensign Richard Lee Kolbe (Size 6 7/8)

Description

This original Korean War USN officer's "Bostonian" service cap was manufactured by Boston Uniform Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. It is identified to Ensign Richard Lee Kolbe. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Ensign Kolbe's life and military service. This cap is constructed of a summer weight khaki cotton and features a gold chinstrap and black visor. The front is decorated with a black and gold officer's device. Secured inside the cap's headliner, beneath the manufacturer's label, is Ensign Kolbe's original calling card. Unfortunately, no size tag could be located; however, it has been measured and is a confirmed size 6 7/8.

Provenance

Private Collection, Daytona Beach, Florida

Condition Report

This cap is in fair condition. Unfortunately, the visor's coating has begun to crack and separate from the visor and the headliner is curled.

Veteran's Information

Richard Lee Kolbe was born on June 17, 1932, in Adamsdale, Pennsylvania. Kolbe attended Dartmouth College, where he participated in the Naval Reserves Officer Training Corps program. Upon his graduation in 1954, he began his four-year career with the Navy, serving as a navigator aboard USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29) in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North Atlantic during the Cold War. He was discharged as a Lieutenant Junior Grade following additional years of service in the USNR. Kolbe died on December 1, 2020, at the age of 88 and is buried at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. Made available to the new owner below are the relevant pages of the Plymouth Rock's 1955 yearbook, of which Kolbe served as the editor. Unfortunately, the page upon which his photo appears is torn. Also included is Kolbe's obituary and gravesite.

• USS Plymouth Rock 1955 Yearbook
• Obituary & Gravesite