Name/Title
HatEntry/Object ID
2001.33.1Description
White military hat with black bill worn by Air Force Brig. Gen. Edwin L. Little. Hat has eagle emblem on front and silver band. On the bill are two sets of three clouds with lightning. These so-called thunderbolts represent U.S. air power. Inside the hat is a label that reads "Berkshire DeLuxe, trade mark reg., Distinctive in Style and Construction." Another label says, "All Wool, Lee Uniform Cap Mfg, Co., Baltimore, Md." (See 2001.33.2 for black top that could replace the white part of this hat.)Context
From Vermont Historical Society Library finding aid:
"Edwin Loren Little was born in North Poultney, Vermont, on October 24, 1918, son of
Charles and Jessie (Streeter) Little. Early in his life, at age 10, Little came to the rescue of a
downed flyer in need of water. His assistance earned him a brief ride in the aircraft and turned
young Little’s mind towards flying. At another time, Little persuaded his mother to take in a
young pilot as a boarder in exchange for flying lessons for Edwin. These incidents changed his
life forever and he went on a quest to become a pilot himself.
Little began his military career in the early days of World War II when he earned his
pilot’s wings and flew 25 bombing mission over Europe. He named his B-17 bomber “Green
Mountain Rambler” after his native state, making it perhaps the only bomber in World War II
named for the State of Vermont. He continued in this career after the war, received a commission
in the regular Army, and entered the US Air Force at its inception. His duties took him to
several locations in the US and Europe. While on assignment in Germany, Little flew missions
during the Berlin airlift. He rose from pilot to squadron leader and up through group
commander, mostly in supply and logistics units. General Little retired from the service in 1970
and passed away in 2004. "
He married Janice Sarah Wilmore (1912-2002) in 1943 and they had one son, Bradfor d.
Additional details of Edwin Little's military career in accession folder.Acquisition
Accession
2001.33Source or Donor
Little, Edwin Loren (1918-2004)Acquisition Method
GiftLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
UniformNomenclature Sub-Class
Status SymbolsNomenclature Class
Personal SymbolsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Dimension Description
Hat is size 7.38Diameter
11 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Little, Edwin Loren (1918-2004)Related Places
Place
Town
PoultneyCounty
Rutland CountyState/Province
VermontCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North America