Saigon Cowboy Hat

[herk115]

I just purchased a "Saigon Cowboy Hat" from What Price Glory. It looks like the real thing in their photos, but I have no way of knowing how true to history it is. I've looked at historical pictures and I see that the top of the WPG hat is fairly round, while the historical (Vietnam era) hats have a well made "cowboy crush" in them. Does anyone know if this "crush is something I can put in the hat myself, or have I been taken to the cleaners with a less than accurate hat by WPG. Not accusing them of anything, just want to know. I mean, I may live in Bakersfield and drive a pickup truck, but I'm not a redneck or a cowboy and have never owned a cowboy hat. So any guidance anyone can give me about crushing the hat will be greatly appreciated. I'll post a picture when it gets here. In the meantime, take a look at this picture from the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association and you'll see what I mean about the shaping of the top of the hat.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

That Saigon hat is a copy from French bush hat, i believe you need to shape the hat by your self.

 

[Pilot]

I believe its called Air Commando hat.
Yes it looks very similar to the French Chapeau de Brousse ( bush hat ) from the Indochina/Algeria war.. but a bit more formal and not as floppy.
Some more photos here.
Saw them for sale on several place.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/air-commando-bush-hat-air-force-25254551.

Just for info.
Even in Vietnam originals could still be found in the 1990s. Now only copies/repros.

 

[Pilot]

The French version… still in use today by the French military especially in French Guyana and Africa.
Photo from the net.

 

[Pilot]

Edit, the IDF had very similar ones ..always marked in hebrew.
See below photos from the net.

 

[Monsoon]

I believe its called Air Commando hat.
Yes it looks very similar to the French Chapeau de Brousse ( bush hat ) from the Indochina/Algeria war.. but a bit more formal and not as floppy.
Some more photos here.
Saw them for sale on several place.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/air-commando-bush-hat-air-force-25254551.

Just for info.
Even in Vietnam originals could still be found in the 1990s. Now only copies/repros.
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That first group photo in front of the C-123s is the squadron that flew Operation Ranch Hand. "Only We Can Prevent Forests"