- Manufactured by
- Anvil Knitwear, Inc., founded 1876
- Worn by
- CMDR Smith, Merle J. Jr., American, died 2021
- Subject of
- United States Coast Guard, American, founded 1790
- Date
- 1960-1975
- Medium
- cotton (textile) , thread , plastic and metal
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 13 × 9 3/4 × 10 3/4 in. (33 × 24.8 × 27.3 cm)
- Caption
- Commander Merle J. Smith, Jr. became the first African American graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1966. While serving in Vietnam as a cutter commander, Smith became the first African American to command a U.S. warship in close-quarters combat and was awarded the Bronze Star for actions in 1969.
- Description
- A green camouflage fatigue uniform hat worn by United States Coast Guard Lt. Merle J. Smith, Jr. The hat has a wide, flat brim with four metal ventilation grommets in the crown, with vertical stitching pattern around the side and an adjustable chin strap.
- Classification
- Clothing - Military Uniforms
- Type
- uniforms
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Merle J. Smith, Jr.
- Object number
- 2014.32.3.3
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




