WW2 US Olive Drab Jeep Cap

WW2 US Olive Drab Jeep Cap.

These olive coloured Jeep caps are made from a woollen knit with a stiffened brim/peak. The sides of the cap can be rolled up or down for extra protection to the neck and ears. One size fits all.

Officially known as ‘Cap, Wool, Knit, M1941’, they were first issued to American troops in February 1942. Despite their popularity as a stand-alone headwear, the cap was originally designed to provide extra padding and warmth under the US M1 combat helmet. The distinctive six point star stitching at the top is intended the follow the suspension in a M1 helmet liner. 

Although almost universally appreciated by the enlisted men to whom they were issued, the Jeep cap was unpopular with some officers, including General Patton. As such, the ‘Cap, Wool, Knit, M1941’ was quickly replaced with the M1943 Field Cap. Due to its practicality and popularity though, particularly in cold weather, the Jeep cap remained in use.

The Jeep cap also survived in popular culture too. Radar O’Reilly wore one in the television series M*A*S*H to the extent that some people know them only ‘Radar Caps’. Jeep cap styles are also popular within extreme sports and winter fashion, and are the basis for many modern caps today.

A quality reproduction WW2 US Olive Drab Jeep Cap.

Please note: These Jeep Caps have arrived quite tight but with a little force, you can "pop" the offending stitch and the cap becomes wider and more comfortable to use.