WWII USAAF Officer's Khaki "Flighter" Crusher Cap by Bancroft Cap Co. Identified to Lt. George Podmajersky (Size 6 7/8)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. Army Air Force officer's "Flighter" crusher cap manufactured by Bancroft Cap Co. of Framingham, Massachusetts. It is inscribed with its original owner's name and serial number, "George Podmajersky O-2064435 1st Lt. A.C." View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Lt. Podmajersky's life and military service. This cap is constructed of a summer weight khaki cotton and features a russet brown leather chinstrap and single ply "crushable" visor. The headband is marked with the patent number of "2369275". Collectors often associate Flighters marked with patent numbers as being post-war manufactured, however this is not always the case. As per the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, this patent was actually granted several months prior to war's end on February 13, 1945, and we can be certain of this cap's wartime production as Lt. Podmajersky was discharged in 1945. Beneath the headband is a size tag of 6 7/8. The cap's front is emblazoned with a brass oversized officer's device.

Provenance

Veteran's Estate, Fultonville, New York

Condition Report

This cap is in very good, used condition, with most signs of wear being isolated to the cap's headliner and headband.

Veteran's Information

George Podmajersky was born on December 31, 1922, in Little Falls, New York. On October 7, 1942, Podmajersky enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Albany, New York. He served as a bombardier in the 444th Bombardment Squadron, 320th Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force, participating in at least 11 known bombing runs over France and Germany. Podmajersky survived the war, and eventually achieved the rank of first lieutenant. Interestingly, as of his last known mission, a bombing run on Bad Schussenried, Germany on April 18, 1945, Podmajersky was still listed in the final mission report as a second lieutenant, indicating he likely acquired (or at least personalized) this crusher cap sometime after this mission. Podmajersky died on December 8, 2013, at the age of 90 and is buried at Maple Avenue Cemetery in Fultonville, New York. Made available to the new owner below are Podmajersky's enlistment records from the National Archives, his draft registration card, final mission reports from the aforementioned bombing runs, obituary, and gravesite.

• Enlistment Records
• Draft Registration Card & Final Mission Reports
• Obituary
• Gravesite