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Bush hat worn by United States Air Force pilot, Vietnam War, 1960s. Creator: Unknown
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Bush hat worn by United States Air Force pilot, Vietnam War, 1960s. Creator: Unknown
Bush hat worn by United States Air Force pilot, Vietnam War, 1960s. A non-regulation Australian style bush hat worn by members of the United States Air Force serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The " Go to Hell Hat" was a Thai-made Australian Bush hat worn by F-105 pilots and their Electronic Weapons Officer (EWO) who were stationed in Thailand at Takhli and Korat. When a new pilot arrived at Takhli or Korat, he immediately purchased a go to hell hat (an) Australian bush hat at the Post Exchange. For each mission flown against North Vietnam, he etched a black hash mark on the front of the hat; for missions into the Hanoi area (Route Package 6), he penned a red mark on the hat. Status in an F-105 Squadron often boiled down to how many red and black hash marks a pilot wore, with the ultimate status symbol being the 100-missions patch he received at the end of a tour
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Media ID 23872191
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a unique piece of history - a bush hat worn by a United States Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. This non-regulation Australian-style hat, known as the "Go to Hell Hat" was exclusively worn by F-105 pilots and their Electronic Weapons Officers stationed in Thailand at Takhli and Korat. The significance of this hat lies in its symbolic representation of each mission flown against North Vietnam. Every time a pilot completed a mission, they etched a black hash mark on the front of the hat. For missions into the Hanoi area, they added a red mark. These marks became badges of honor and status within an F-105 Squadron, with pilots proudly displaying their tally on their hats. The ultimate achievement for these brave individuals was earning the prestigious 100-missions patch at the end of their tour. The Go to Hell Hat became more than just headwear; it embodied courage, determination, and camaraderie among those who served. Preserved within this print is not only an artifact from one of America's most significant conflicts but also a testament to human resilience and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of our nation's proud aviation heritage and honors those who risked everything for freedom. Displayed at the National Air and Space Museum, this remarkable piece stands as an educational tool that allows us to delve into our past while paying tribute to those who fought valiantly during one of America's most challenging periods - the Vietnam War.
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