WWII USAAF B-1 Summer Flying Cap by Zip-A-Bag Corp. Identified to Lt. Abraham "Alvin" Levine (Size 7 3/8)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. Army Air Force B-1 summer flying cap manufactured by Zip-A-Bag Corp. of New York, New York. These were standardized in 1939 and quickly became a favorite among American airmen. Its interior crown is inscribed "A.A. LEVINE 1st LT. A.C., 535 SQD. 381 GR., O-757725". View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Lt. Abraham "Alvin" Levine's life and military service. Thankfully, we have a handwriting sample in the form of Levine's draft registration cards (below); when comparing those to the hat's inscription, it becomes readily apparent the two were certainly done by the same hand. The cap's visor is decorated with a small swastika and 30 bombs, signifying 30 successful bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe - a poignant personalization given Lt. Levine's Jewish background. Written on the visor's underside is the name of Lt. Levine's Douglas B-17G Flying Fortress, "TOUCH THE BUTTON NELL II", done in the same bubble font as the aircraft's nose art (shown in the final image). This cap is constructed of a summer weight khaki cotton, features a lacquered leather headband, and is a desirable size 7 3/8.

Provenance

Personal Collection of Stan Wolcott, Owner of Lucky Forward Militaria. Mr. Wolcott acquired this cap at the Southern California Military Insignia Collectors Society (SOCALMICS) show in Bellflower, California on August 30, 1992, and it remained in his collection until now.

Condition Report

This cap is in good, used condition, with its original manufacturer's label still intact and legible. Its leather headband shows signs of wear.

Veteran's Information

Abraham "Alvin" Levine was born on July 17, 1920. Interestingly, his draft registration card lists his place of birth as Grodno, Russia (modern-day Belarus); however, his obituary lists Poland. Grodno was lost by Poles to the Red Army on July 20, 1920, in what became known as the First Battle of Grodno. After immigrating to the U.S., Levine enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Santa Ana, California on December 2, 1943. Beginning in March 1944, he served as a bombardier, and according to his obituary (below) flew 30+ missions in the 535th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, based at RAF Ridgewell, England. Three months later on June 30, 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). On July 4, 1944, Levine's aircraft, Touch the Button Nell II, crashed due to mechanical failure of multiple engines while on a mission to Tours, France, killing all but two of its nine crew members. Thankfully, Levine and the aircraft's usual pilot, Lt. Henry Putek, O-804396, appear to have been on leave at the time of this mission. According to Levine's entry in the American Air Museum, he left the 535th in August 1944 following the successful completion of his combat tour. Levine died on August 7, 2002, at the age of 82 and is buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California. Made available to the new owner below are Levine's enlistment records from the National Archives, his draft registration and DFC award cards, database entry in the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, October 1943 pay stub, obituary, and gravesite. At Gustafson's request, the National Archives is currently processing Levine's complete file, which will be made available below when completed.

• Enlistment Records
• Draft Registration & DFC Award Cards, Entry in the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, & October 1943 Pay Stub
• Obituary
• Gravesite
• FOIA Research Results (Coming Soon)