Luftwaffe M1935 Schirmmutze without visor acquired by US soldier
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 2.625 inches (6.668 cm) | Width: 9.875 inches (25.083 cm) | Depth: 10.750 inches (27.305 cm)
Creator(s)
- Robert Lobstein (Manufacturer)
- Germany. Luftwaffe (Issuer)
- Bernard B. Cohen (Subject)
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 without a 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 tricot wool peaked cap with a flat, circular crown and a black woven cloth headband with a clear plastic liner. There is red piping around the crown and headband. An adjustable black leather chin trap with 2 buckles is attached by a shiny, worn, black shank button sewn to each side of the headband. The interior has a red-brown cloth lining with white net interfacing, and a damaged, perforated leather sweatband. The lining is torn at the seam exposing the wire frame that supports the flat crown. The sides are lightly padded. A clear celluloid manufacturing label is stitched to the center of the crown. There are 2 puncture holes, exposed wires, and black threads near the front of the headband where a visor would be attached, and gray threads where insignia would be attached.
interior, crown, paper label, black ink : Kanonier / Heidler / 1./I. Flakabteilung 83 [Gunner / Heidler / Battery 1 / I. Anti-aircraft Brigade 83]
Corporate Bodies
- Germany. Luftwaffe
Subjects
- Jewish soldiers--United States.
- World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Western Front.
- World War, 1939-1945--Uniforms.
- Souvenirs (Keepsakes)--Soldiers--United States.
- Soldiers--United States.
Genre
- Object
- Uniforms
- Dress Accessories