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.
Place used
Viet Nam, Asia
Classification
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Type
uniforms
Topic
Clothing and dress
Military
Vietnam War, 1961-1975
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.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5281f262f-30d3-49bf-988c-c6a377e9551a

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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