WWII USAAF Officer's Wool "Columbia-Flight" Crusher Cap Identified to F/O Scott J. Limes (Size 6 3/4)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. Army Air Force officer's "Columbia-Flight" crusher cap manufactured by The Columbia, "Gem of Caps", of New York. It is inscribed with its original owner's name and serial number, "Scott J. Limes, T-1250106". View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Flight Officer Limes' life and military service. This cap is constructed of gabardine wool and features a russet brown leather chinstrap and single ply "crushable" visor. The headband is embossed "Columbia-Flight, REG. PEND." When first acquired, this cap was missing its device. Sourcing a faithful replacement proved to be challenging. Given Limes' "T"-prefix serial number, we know he achieved the rank of flight officer. Flight officers were authorized to wear the standard "Eagle Rising" device of Army warrant officers; however, photographic evidence exists of many flight officers wearing non-authorized officer's devices as well. After closely examining the imprint left on the wool behind where the device would have been secured, we are confident Limes was among the flight officers who skirted the regulations, and did in fact wear an oversized officer's device. Unfortunately, no size tag could be located; however, the cap has been measured and is a confirmed size 6 3/4.

Provenance

Private Collection, Hebron, Kentucky

Condition Report

This cap is in good, used condition; however, the headband's stitching has failed near the wearer's forehead. When first acquired, its chinstrap was unfortunately torn. We have since replaced it with an original, undamaged example. The damaged piece will be included should the new owner decide to return it to its prior state.

Veteran's Information

Scott John Limes was born on October 4, 1918, in Ohio. On November 3, 1943, Limes enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Thomas in Newport, Kentucky. Following graduation from the Aviation Cadet Training Program, he was promoted to flight officer and served as a pilot during the war. Interestingly, it was considered undesirable to have enlisted men pilot aircraft but given the influx of qualified pilots not all could be promoted to the rank of lieutenant due to congressionally-imposed commissioned officer strength limits, without which would result in a "top-heavy" USAAF. To counteract this, on July 8, 1942, Public Law 658 (Flight Officer Act) was passed, which established the new rank of flight officer, granted to enlisted and aviation cadet trainees who successfully completed air qualification training. Limes survived the war and was honorably discharged on December 8, 1945. Limes died on February 1, 1987, at the age of 68 and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, Kentucky. Made available to the new owner below are Limes' enlistment records and final pay stub from the National Archives, as well as his gravesite. Interestingly, it appears he never informed his family of his promotion to flight officer, as his headstone still lists his rank as "aviation cadet".

• Enlistment Records
• Final Pay Stub
• Gravesite