Clothing: 24.4 x 27.3 x 7.6cm (9 5/8 in. x 10 3/4 in. x 3 in.)
Type:
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear
Country of Origin:
Italy
Physical Description:
Regia Aeronautica officer's service cap; dark blue wool top; black leather brim and chine strap; officer's cap insignia (eagle surmounted by royal crown surrounded by palm leaves) in gold wire; light blue leather sweat band; manufacturer's lable on inside top in gold letter text (see marks for full text).
Summary:
This is an example of a service cap issued to officers of the Regia Aeronautica during World War II.
This particular cap was worn by 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.
Credit Line:
Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus
