Cap, Service
Object number2016.30.7 a,b
Manufacturer
Society Brand Hat Company
Date1939-1945
OriginSt. Louis, MO
MediumFabric/Leather/Satin/Plastic/Metal/Brass
Credit LineGift of Barbara Pontello
DescriptionTan service cap with brass insignia .DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a,b together): 5.5 × 10.375 × 11.25 in. (14 × 26.4 × 28.6 cm)Height x Width x Depth (a): 5.5 × 10.375 × 11.25 in. (14 × 26.4 × 28.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 2.375 × 2.125 × 0.5 in. (6 × 5.4 × 1.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Black text on sweatband "AIRFLOW / REG. U. S. PAT. OFF."
(b)
Banner held in eagle's beak has raised text "E PLURIBUS UNUM".
Marks(a)
Maker's mark inside cap at center "SOCIETY BRAND HAT CO. / ST LOUIS, MO."
Historical NotesThis uniform jacket was worn by Aldo Pontello (known as Norman,) who was a pilot in the European Campaign and flew multiple missions over Germany. Antonio Pontello of Horning, PA, and his three sons, Alfred, Aldo, and Roy, served the Allied forces in various capacities during WWII. Antonio, an Italian immigrant and coal miner, was too old for the draft, so he served stateside as auxiliary military police patrolling the Allegheny Country Airport. Antonio's three sons each served in the military: one as a pilot, one as a paratrooper, and one as infantry. His son Aldo, known as Norman, was a pilot in the European Campaign and flew multiple missions over Germany; the WWII uniform pieces belonged to him.
Previous owner
Norman Aldo Pontello
Related institution
United States Army Air Forces
On View
Not on view
Keystone Uniform Cap Corporation
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