WWII USAAF Officer's Khaki "Flighter" Crusher Cap by Bancroft Cap Co. Identified to Lt. William D. Porterfield (Size 6 1/2)

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 initials and name, "W. D. Porterfield". View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Lieutenant William D. Porterfield's life and military service. Faintly marked beneath Porterfield's identification is an apparent "BG69", believed to denote the 69th Bombardment Group of the 13th Air Force. This cap is constructed of a summer weight khaki cotton and features a russet brown leather chinstrap and single ply "crushable" visor. Its headband is marked “BY BANCROFT, Visor Pat. Pend.”, which denotes production from May 12, 1943, to February 13, 1945, before which Flighters were simply labeled "BY BANCROFT" and after which they were also marked "U.S.PAT.NO.2369275". The cap's front is decorated with a gold-plated brass oversized officer's device. Unfortunately, no size tag could be located; however, it has been measured and is a confirmed size 6 1/2.

Provenance

Private Collection, Plattekill, New York

Condition Report

This cap is in good, well used condition. The khaki material exhibits moth holes, and the headliner has stiffened and deteriorated.

Veteran's Information

William Daniel Porterfield was born on August 28, 1920, in Comer, Georgia. Interestingly, Porterfield first joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves on June 14, 1942, where he served until November 13, then on December 11, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Atlanta, Georgia. During the war, he served as a pilot in the Pacific Theater of Operations and even survived an airplane crash for which he received the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Air Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Soldier's Medal, and the Silver Star Medal. Porterfield survived the war and was honorably discharged on November 13, 1945, at the rank of first lieutenant. He died on August 26, 2002, just two days before his 82nd birthday, and is buried at Comer Memorial Cemetery in Comer, Georgia. Made available to the new owner below are Porterfield's enlistment records from the National Archives, USMC Reserves Muster Rolls, draft registration, Air Medal and Soldier's Medal award cards, final pay stub, discharge documents, hospitalization records from the aforementioned airplane crash, as well as his obituary and gravesite.

• Enlistment Records
• USMC Reserves Muster Rolls, Draft Registration, Air Medal & Soldier's Medal Award Cards, Final Pay Stub, Discharge Documents, & Hospitalization Records
• Obituary & Gravesite