Luftwaffe M1935 Schirmmutze with visor acquired by US soldier
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 5.375 inches (13.653 cm) | Width: 9.500 inches (24.13 cm) | Depth: 10.375 inches (26.353 cm)
Creator(s)
- Christian Haug (Manufacturer)
- Bernard B. Cohen (Subject)
- Germany. Luftwaffe (Issuer)
Biographical History
Bernard Baruch Cohen was born on June 22, 1920, in Philadelphia, PA, to Simon and Sarah Cohen. His Yiddish speaking parents had immigrated to the United States from Imperial Russia. Bernard was the second of four children. After completing high school, he worked in a restaurant, and then at Sam Gerson’s apparel shop. In 1941, he married Estelle Elias (1922-2008.). In December 1941, the United States entered World War II (1939-1945.) Bernard enlisted in the US Army, Warrant Officers Branch, on February 11, 1943, and entered active service on February 18, He served with the Third Army under General Patton in combat across Europe from late October 1944 - mid-July 1945. Bernard was honorably discharged from the military on November 1, 1945. He returned to Philadelphia. Bernard and Estelle had a son and a daughter. They owned and operated two maternity and baby shops, Dorebel's Maternity and Baby Shops in South Philadelphia and Mayfair. They were members of Adath Shalom synagogue and active in the wider Jewish community. Bernard, 63, passed away on August 23, 1983, in Philadelphia. In 1986, Estelle received the Israel Freedom Award from the State of Israel Women's Division. Estelle, 86, passed away on August 26, 2008.
Archival History
The hat was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1985 by Estelle Cohen, the wife of Bernard B. Cohen.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Estelle Cohen
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
Luftwaffe [German Air Force] M1935 Schirmmutze with visor brought back from the war by Bernard B. Cohen, a soldier with the United States Third Army as it fought its way across Europe from the fall of 1944 through the end of the war in May 1945.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Dark gray wool peaked service dress cap with a flat, circular crown, a wide, black woven cloth headband, and visor. There is red piping around the crown and headband. The black vulcanized rubber visor with a green grid patterned underlayer is sewn to the bottom of the headband. The adjustable, black patent leather chin strap with 2 buckles rests above the visor, attached on both sides of the headband by a shiny black shank button. The interior is lined with woven red-brown cloth with a perforated leather sweatband. The sides are lightly padded. A clear celluloid manufacturer's label is stitched to the center of the crown. There are gray threads where insignia were likely attached to the front. The right end of the visor and the worn sweatband are detaching.
interior, left, hatband interior, cloth tag, black ink : Kanonier / Bolte / 6.Battr.Flak.Rgt.26 [Gunner / Bolte / Battery 6 Anti-aircraft Brigade Regiment 26]
Corporate Bodies
- Germany. Luftwaffe
Subjects
- Jewish soldiers--United States.
- World War, 1939-1945--Uniforms.
- World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Western Front.
- Souvenirs (Keepsakes)--Soldiers--United States.
- Soldiers--United States.
Genre
- Dress Accessories
- Uniforms
- Object