The Campaign Hat & Forgotten History

[@anonymousm9113]

I earned one as an Army Drill Sergeant, still have both the one I wore and a new one in the box. My great-grandfather wore one over 100 years ago. Great video!

[@anonymousm9113]

@hiram hacklesworth I won't argue with the reputation that many DS' get. I was DA selected ("voluntold") to become a Drill Sergeant after being DA selected to become a Recruiter 8 years previously. I was the quiet DS that didn't insult or berate the trainees unless things got out of hand (I had kids the same age as most trainees). I served with many younger and less disciplined NCOs who had a more aggressive nature. So, while I can see your point, I believe it is affected by some deep seated hatred for a toxic Drill Sergeant that singled you out. Many of us didn't volunteer for the job, and no one who made it through Basic Training would call an Army Drill Sergeant a D.I. (that's the Marine equivalent).

[@cyberherbalist]

I did 4 months of basic training followed by infantry AIT, and my memory of those drill sergeants was of mostly good men doing a very hard job. Maybe there were some bad eggs, but what I remember of my BCT company (Ft Knox in 1975), the drill sergeants were tough but fair. We had an outstanding senior drill sergeant, perhaps that was part of it, but the two officers in the company were amazing guys, too. It's not easy trying to turn a bunch of rowdy teens into soldiers. I sure didn't want the job. There's no way you can do it without being very, very mean, demanding and confrontational. Which some might have taken to be sadistic or sociopathic (and it's possible that there are some who enjoy the hazing a bit too much), but there is no other way to change a Proud, F'ing Civilian into a Private First Class.

[@ramiusramius5578]

Thank you for your service, Sir. God Bless.

[@mudflapmatt]

I still see this cover every time I hear something hit the deck, and I think, now drop, and give him 20!

[@johndemeritt3460]

@@anonymousm9113, Air Force Training Instructors in Basic Training were also called DIs when I had basic back in 1975.

[@LandNfan]

Still residing in my closet, never to be parted with, is a drab campaign hat I wore with pride as a Boy Scout leader in the early 1970’s. It was a gift from my parents, the same year that my wife gifted me with a dozen Norman Rockwell prints from his Scouting collection. A number of those prints depict boys and leaders wearing those hats.

[@cephasmartin8593]

It never ceases to amaze me how you can take a seemingly unimportant item and weave such a fascinating story about it. I am impressed with this tale of the campaign hat. Thanks.

[@STWLandO]

Non-fiction too!

[@adenkyramud5005]

I must say, I'm so glad that I found someone on this platform who shares this insane amount of love for history. Your work is incredible sir.

[@stevebailey325]

Ahhh yes, the "peak" of Drill Instructors "cover" hitting me repeatedly on the forehead. I was up close and personal with campaign hats while in Marine Corps bootcamp.

[@gus473]

Semper Fidelis 👍

[@ChineseChicken1]

Scuzz Brush the Bulkhead!!

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Me too, Oct-Dec 73, Plt 395, India Co, 3rd Bn, MCRD Parris Island.

[@dannyjones3840]

Plt 3161 1994 OOHRAH!

[@cpt.awesome7281]

Did you ever get your soul taken? My boy in the platoon cried just enough for a tear to fall and the DI took his cover off and pressed the brim to my boy's cheek to catch it and then told him he took his soul. 🤣

[@joelwittlif6055]

What a beautiful hat. The personal history of the hat itself was the perfect final note. It’s not just the hat it is the individuals who wore it that make it worth remembering.

[@richardterek3744]

As a member of the Pennsylvania State Police I proudly wore that hat for 26 years. Upon retirement, we were allowed to keep one article of clothing. Guess which one I choose. The day of graduation from the PSP academy in Hershey PA in 1975 will always be one of the fondest memories for me when I got to place that hat upon my head.

[@tedshort6260]

Thank you for your service. My brother retired from the Arkansas State Police.

[@adamsmith5913]

@ Haha yes for sure, that hat means business

[@LuchadorMasque]

@ it takes a hat for a female to have authority?

[@LuchadorMasque]

@@bobbobberbobalina badge? Shirt? But who enforces this? I mean, could you not acquire 2 seperate complete uniforms bit by bit and just not turn one in? I mean, it's your last day. They gonna fire you, withhold pension, or press charges? This is silly cop logic.

[@HemlockRidge]

A fellow Pennsylvanian here, I know that the PSP is a premier police agency in the US. I actually did some IT consulting for them at PSP HQ on Elmerton Ave. HQ and Troop H are in the same building.

[@SSGTStryker]

As someone who fairly recently retired as a USAF Military Training Instructor (Drill Instructor) and Base Honor Guard member, I want to thank you for producing such excellent content. Both your Honor Guard and Campaign Hat videos are outstanding!

[@sptownsend999]

One of my favorite topics that you have covered! When I was in Boy Scouts (2008-16), I was fascinated by the old uniforms, and a few years into it, I found a campaign hat at an event! I think I paid all of $10 for it, but I cleaned it up and wore it to every outing we went on. I still wear it when I occasionally make cameo appearances to the troop.

[@wyominghome4857]

Tradition!

[@markmoir9222]

I wore one in Scouts in the early 1970's. I was very cool!

[@mjspice100]

They are still available, mine I purchased at Gilwell. Many Scouting organisations throughout the world still proudly wear the hat both WOSM and WFIS….

[@cannonrogmatt]

The origin of the Boy Scouts use came about in 1910 at Lawton, Oklahoma. Reverend James Pershing at his church First Congregation Church in Lawton started a Boy Scout troop known as the first troop west of the Mississippi. The uniforms he acquired from surplus army uniforms at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This was home of the 9th and 10th Cavalry. His cousin was the commanding officer of the 10th Cavalry Captain John J (Blackjack) Pershing. He later became a general. The Boy Scout troop still meets at this church though now it’s the York Masonic lodge

[@stevemccarty6384]

When a Marine I found a campaign hat and purchased it. It was new. I eventually gave it to a friend. Then as a drill sergeant in the Army I got another. I still own it and store it in the press, so the brim is still flat. Neat hat. It was fun being a drill sergeant. It is a teaching position. Long days.

[@spencerthompson1]

Thank you for the history lesson and how the hat was important to your life. My son is at the US. Army Drill Sargent Academy and just got his hats yesterday. I have my campaign hat I used as a Scoutmaster, it did get the boys attention.

[@packrat2569]

Fascinating story! My own history is intertwined with the campaign hat. My father was a Boy Scout in the 40's and passed his old Scouting books on to me. I became a Scout in the late 60's and was enamored with the Campaign hat style uniform; I was the only one in my Council apparently still wearing one. One of my neighbors was a Forest Service employee who must have noticed my hat and sent me a Junior Ranger Kit in the mail. I was hooked on the image and went on to work for both the USFS and the NPS as well. I treasure my Ranger Hat! Thank you for this history.

[@charlesturcotte4448]

As a Marine Recruit, we respected and honored all those who wore that cover. Semper Fi

[@justme_gb]

The most interesting hat in the house while growing up is a felt campaign hat with a black, officers' Eagle, Globe & Anchor on it. It still resides neatly in the Stetson box.

[@Sig984]

Thank you History Guy - As a New Zealander, who served in the Army I always wondered what all the connections were with the New Zealand campaign hat and other organisations. Great research, very well covered, very interesting and great piece of history that deserves to be remembered.

[@YahooMurray]

Reminded me of my USAF drill instructor over 50 years ago in basic training in Texas. When I saw him the next year in Phan Rang AB (RSVN) I did not recognize him at first, because he did not have his drill instructor hat on. Great history video, as always.

[@joeyjamison5772]

Yup, did Lackland in 1968 and will never forget my TI, no matter how hard I may try.

[@josemoreno3334]

@@joeyjamison5772 I was at Lackland in 1979. I never forgot my TI either.

[@David-nx2vm]

I’m retired Air Force and never had the campaign hat as a uniform item. However, when I became a Scoutmaster, I wanted to create an atmosphere that paid respect to the history of the movement and invoked some nostalgia - think Fred MacMurray in “Follow Me Boys”. I obtained a Stetson campaign hat and wore it exclusively. It immediately identified me at a distance, and helped my Scouts pick me out of a crowd of leaders at summer camp. Campaign hats are a pain in the neck compared to the ball caps everyone else wore. You have to block them when not worn or they will get floppy, and I had a plastic stretchy cover for wet weather - that felt is like a sponge. But that hat, the Baker tent the adults used, our strict adherence to the patrol method, and my customary habit of wearing full uniform (no troop t-shirts for me) with wood badge beads and full knots & patches clearly communicated to prospective Scouts and their parents that this is a traditional unit and we follow all the rules. We had great families and great memories.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

Having served in the Marine Corps, your presentation has significance. After nearly 50 years, and many moves, I no longer have mine. Perhaps it's just my perception but you seemed to give touching deference to the history of this hat. Very much appreciated.

[@donaldsmith6814]

Semper fi! Brother Marine.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Awesome telling of history and that campaign hat is most certainly in the right hands.

[@mknmike]

I never knew why police officers were called “Smokey” until today. Smokey and the Bandit movie included. Thanks History Guy!

[@spyone4828]

See also "County Mountie".

[@dquiroa]

I wonder if the history guy start telling stories on those summers in the service.

[@thomashooks5571]

Usually the state police or highway patrol.

[@BrianClarkpharmd]

As a marine recruit., there is nothing more feared than that damned Smokey the bear cover

[@kenm.7651]

Trust me...it’s not just the marines....

[@rochthornton7359]

I wore a "Smokey" during my duties as a recruit rifle instructor in the Marines. It was amazing how recruits focused their attention on anybody wearing that symbol of authority and officially sanctioned violence. That symbol meant you had a recruit's full attention when you were trying to teach him something. I still have my "Smokey."

[@reconranger1370]

Especially when the brim is touching your nose and the D.I. is yelling at you at the top of his lungs.

[@jgatkinson744]

Brian Clark Who rah Semper Fi one of my friends at the vfw said they were called covers when he was in boot in the 50s in the usaf

[@donaldsmith6814]

And there was no single item a Marine wanted to earn than the D.I.'s cover!

[@mwhitelaw8569]

Still have my grandfather's round brown He wore it till 1917 I carefully steamed it back into it's former glory and placed it in a glass cabinet With some other heirlooms from my family

[@totallyfrozen]

How cool! What a special piece of family history. I have nothing like that from any of my family.

[@dukecraig2402]

You don't have to steam them, just soak one in water then shape it as desired and let it dry, I collect these hats and have some shaped with the brims curled up slightly in the front and/or back as seen in old pictures of the troops wearing them. My buddy has a real cool picture of his uncle and two friends of his in uniform dated 1939, all 3 of them are wearing campaign hats with the brims curled slightly front and back and even better one of them is sitting on an Indian motorcycle, it's not a military bike but it's still a super cool picture.

[@jhnshep]

@@dukecraig2402 Yea most head gear curls up with wear or is shaped not as new, even the white kepis we wore in the legion, a year or two of washing them and squeezing them on your head the peak would curl up, so the new guy would have a nice and straight peak someone who has been in a year or two would look more akin to donald duck's beak. depends how you want them, if you collect I suppose you'd want them in worn condition, for a framed portrait of a family member perhaps something a bit more pristine.

[@wildbillarizona3237]

My father was part of the "Million Man Army" and shipped out for training in September 1940. Just today, I was outside working on my land and, as usual, wearing my campaign hat that I have set-up as my father wore one during World War II. It has the Infantry Blue Cord, the 71st Infantry Regiment Crest and a cavalry leather strap. Although infantry, I found a picture on E-bay of my father during WWII and he and his cohorts were wearing the cavalry strap. It is a practical piece of head-gear and a reminder of my father each time I put it on. Thank you for a great history of a hat I wear most days!

[@vernondoane4865]

When I got off the bus at Ft. Bragg back in 1966 we were immediately introduced to 3 screaming drill instructors wearing campaign hats! I love the look of heavy starch fatigues top off with the Campaign cover! I had a good friend who enlisted several months earlier and his advice was to get a the best shape I could prior to my journey.....I did and it made all the difference in the world. We all survived to tell the tale! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Hmm.. That must be the difference between the army and the Maries. Marine D.I.s "scream" and Army Drill Sergeants "ROAR!!!" (only kidding. Semper Fi, my friend.)

[@haroldj.kennedy7300]

My gosh, I stopped what I was doing, sat down and listened. Having been a Boy Scouts in the 70s as yourself. I became spellbound to learn about the Campaign Hat. Which I still have from my scouting years... Thank you, thank you

[@gmanky]

A Drill SGT put his brim of his hat into of this 1982 ROTC Basic Camp cadet's forehead to make a point. I still remember that point. And his name. Worked hard during the 10+ years on active duty as an officer in the Armored Force to remind my troops that stupidity on any Army vehicle will get you hurt or killed....Thank you SSGT Nichols....

[@glenncunningham6397]

Mine was in the bridge of my nose. Thanks, SSGT Givens. :)

[@G1ennbeckismyher0]

I was way taller than my Air Force MTI so after "getting down to his level" he plucked out a few neck hairs that I missed and screamed "did you shave today?!" I never forget my neck hair now, thank you SSGT Dartez!

[@daleeasternbrat816]

You never forget . Good thing too.

[@joeh470]

Yup. Thanks SFC. Swafford

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Well, since we're all saluting our old Drill Sergeants here. It's only right for me to say "Thank you! Drill Sergeant Federick -- Fort Polk, Louisiana "Summer of '75." You taught me not only to be a soldier, but how to be a man -- a good man, at that.

[@dhession64]

My own father has a campaign hat as you've displayed, but he was a reserve drill sgt along with other "hats" he wore. This is one I remember most fondly. Thank you for what you do, what you remember, and what you teach. It is of the utmost value and importance.

[@gusmc2220]

me at start of video: "18 minutes about hats? I dunno man..." 17 minutes later "that was interesting I would like to known more" lol

[@andrewhyde4812]

Gus Mc he is very good at making any topic interesting.

[@gusmc2220]

@@andrewhyde4812 he definitely is, I wish I had, had history teachers like him in school. he really brings a subject to life

[@md_vandenberg]

Hop on over to the channel "Forgotten Weapons" and enjoy a 20 minute video of the host Ian "Gun Jesus" McCollum talk about some of the oddball hats, caps and covers in his personal collection. Then stick around because Gun Jesus will show you firearms you didn't even know existed.

[@JimN5QL]

Me too!!!

[@damion9742]

@@andrewhyde4812 right? i could listen to him talk about anything and it'd make me wanna learn more about it. I bet he killed it selling insurance.

[@patrickdunster1083]

I just love this one. Especially since I’m a USAF Veteran and respected those that wore that hat. One of my favorite episodes and a sincere thank you for this one in particular.

[@John-ru5ud]

My father was in the Army from 1936 to 1946, ending up as a bird colonel. I have a picture of him as a major in 1937 with his campaign had and Sam Browne belt.

[@williamkaczmarek3996]

Thank you for your "tip of the hat" to Frederick Russell Burnham and his help in founding the World Scout Association. I'm still active in Scouting and I own a Campaign Hat that I'll be wearing as I attend a local court of honor for two young men who've attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Not many folks know about Burnham and his contributions to the Scouting movement.

[@robertnorthup8583]

Like how he sneaks his family history in. I'm also proud of coming from a firefighting family. 👍

[@MayheM_72]

My grandfather, great uncle, father, and older brother were all volunteer firefighters. My father was also a "cannon cocker", and my uncles, brothers, and I were all Boy Scouts.

[@skychief7716]

Mr. The History Guy: This episode is by far one of, if not your finest program - by far!!! And yes it was easy to find your own personal pride and affection for the campaign hat. I certainly can’t blame you. Two thumbs up to you!!! During my US Army basic training in the late 1960s at Fort Lewis Washington I was so inspired by the campaign hats worn by my the Drill Sergeants, and everything about their uniforms generally that made them command respect, I was inspired to become a Drill Sergeant myself. Well…, my life didn’t turn out that way, but it was on my mind for a long time. Thanks for this fantastic episode!!! You sure can tell it the way it is.

[@rc5989]

I always love when The History Guy does hat episodes. It seems almost magical that an ordinary object can contain so much history!

[@tomberryhill5419]

Great history. I wore one for 4 years as a Patrol Officer and then a Training Sergeant with Dardanelle Police Department. Great times and amazing memories.

[@TSemasFl]

When I was in the Boy Scouts in the 1970's Our Scout Master and leaders wore the BSA Champaign hats, us scouts wore the C-caps when we were in our class A uniforms for Jamborees, Camporees and parades. One weekend a month for marching training. Other than that, we just wore old military surplus uniforms and camos, which was fine by our Scout Masters being they were all ex military Vietnam veterans. I would give anything to be a Boy Scout again in the 1970s, we were taught great values. RIP Scout Master Thomas.

[@danielbartleson5746]

I was a boy scout in the late 2000s, unfortunately by that time the leadership had dispensed of the cool hats. My time with the cub scouts and Boy Scouts was the best time of my life, especially when the moms weren’t around. It saddens me to think of what it has become.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

I started in Scouting in 1964. And I agree with everything you said. I am very sorry for the many kids missing out today. Nothing else will teach kids the best things in life like Scouting. When I began dating, and talked with girlfriends about our Scout camping, skills etc. they always said that their Girl Scout troops never provided much of that, and wished they could have been with us. Well now they CAN! By the way I have seen pictures of my grandmother in Girl Scouts SO long ago that they wore campaign hats as well.

[@nordfreiheit]

I joined the boy scouts in 2002, my scout master was also a Vietnam combat veteran, and he drilled us like we were in the army! It actually helped when I eventually enlisted, myself. I love those days.

[@k8zhd]

I was in Scouts in the early 1960s, and our leader, Mr. Lynn, was a Navy recruiter, so he (and we) didn't wear the Campaign Hat. But he did train our troop (30) in close-order drill on the village green. I can still do an about-face in the way he taught, and find myself standing "at ease" from time to time just the way he trained us.

[@ericbainter826]

I was also a scout in the 1970s and it indeed was a great time to be a scout. I started wearing the campaign hat when I joined the staff at Boy Scout summer camp at Maumee Resevation for several summers. Had a great scoutmaster during that period as well, retired WWII/Korea/Vietnam vet and naval aviator Marvin Doliana, RIP.

[@stephenirwin2761]

Wow,! What a great piece! As a Canadian I am well familiar with the Mounties and their history as well as the Boy Scouts of which I was one. Thanks for this in depth look! Certainly it is history that deserves to be remembered.

[@kizunadragon9]

Very cool episode. Such an iconic hat. Anyone who has seen a brown campaign hat on a very angry Drill Sgt will tell you it's a sight you never forget.

[@matthewellisor5835]

Never served but I sure remember the knife-hand under Drill's cover.

[@jasonc3522]

The brim of that brown round against the bridge of the nose has a special way of getting your undivided attention.

[@kizunadragon9]

@@jasonc3522 omg i hated getting beaked by that thing, like friggin Woody Woodpecker

[@daleryan5463]

Jason C And don’t ever crack a smile! Ask me how I know

[@jasonc3522]

@@daleryan5463 been there, made that mistake myself. Learned my lesson but some of those guys could have careers in stand-up comedy.

[@geraldosborne1011]

I just got off of an 12 hour shift in the ER and I am beat but I stayed up watching a story on the history of the campaign hat. Your show has such interesting content and your delivery is so entertaining that I just love watching. I introduced your show to my 12 yr old son and the other day he said his teacher showed your videos to his class. Keep up your awesome show. It is so informative and educational and it is history that deserves to be remembered.

[@zach7193]

An impressive history of the campaign hat and a interesting backstory from you, Mr. History Guy.

[@martialmusic]

I love your stuff. And it’s not just the history, it’s you. You give of yourself too when you present history, and it’s beautiful. Thank you.

[@ZeroFXAirborne]

As a former infantry drill sergeant for 3 years at fort Benning I love the history. Great job sir!

[@carlsmeigh]

I was a scout from 1963 to 1969. I too owned and wore a campaign hat during the later years in scouts obtaining Eagle in 1968. The hat is gone but I certainly remember it. Wearing it at scout camp in NewJersey (Roosevelt Scout camp) where one year I was the Provisional Scout Master and that hat gave me “the authority” of leadership. That training and the instilled responsibilities from scouting and that hat followed me through a 24 year career in the US Naval Submarine Force where the peak of my skills were tested when I was the precommissioning Commanding Officer of the USS Columbus (SSN762). I served as the commissioning Commanding Officer and the first Commanding Officer for the first year of the submarines commissioned service. Thanks for the history and great memories!

[@curtisoverstreet7471]

I would like to hear the history of the Sam Browne belt also.

[@duster0066]

I got to make one for a retired Seattle PD officer a few years ago. Wanting to get it right my dad sent me his belt to copy. It is hanging on the wall behind me right now. Pops told me a story about his belt. They were allowed to wear the shoulder strap if they wanted to. One night dad responded to a bar fight, and as he put it got his butt kick when a drunk grabbed that strap and yanked him off his feet. After that he left the strap at home. I looked up the history of the Sam Browne belt, and it would make a great video here. By the way Springfield Leather in Springfield, Mo. had all of the correct hardware for a Sam Browne.

[@Avallachgrey]

I wear a ranger style belt now. But when I first went into there prisons I wore a sam browne.

[@FrankCastle-he8fl]

@@duster0066 I work in a prison and we were allowed to wear those hats but when you talked about the straps on the Sam Brown I started to laugh we can also wear the double straps because of all the crap we carry but you get into a lot of brawls with inmates and they grab them you're done so very few people wear them anymore

[@fearlesscrusader]

@@FrankCastle-he8fl Fifty years ago, Dick Tracy mentioned this in his "Crimestopper's Textbook" and I never forgot it.

[@Hibernicus1968]

@@duster0066 My father was a police officer with the Norfolk Police from 1958 to 1968. The Sam Browne belts with the strap were still authorized for wear then, but almost no one did apart from the honor guard for that very reason. They called them "suicide straps." I work for the same department today, and our honor guard still has them as part of the dress uniform, but they've been long gone from the regular duty uniform.

[@unclovbrdgames4189]

The description of Smokey the Bear was excellent. My father worked for the Virginia Division of Forestry in the '60s and '70s and "moonlighted" as Smokey often. My house also had all the Smokey paraphernalia. Brings back many good memories.

[@grapeshot]

That's Smokey the Bear Hat is the first thing I saw when I got into a Reception Center at Fort Sill Ok. Memories

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

My father did much of his service at Fort Sill.

[@raymoore9993]

I attended basic training at Ft Sill too. '78. I've always loved the campaign hat.

[@bogartoutlawclan9592]

Yes, but the mouth under it is what I remember most.

[@Cujo2447]

@@bogartoutlawclan9592 the creative complaints & insults dished out by Drill Sergeants is always a solid memory.

[@taun856]

@@raymoore9993 I was a Drill Sgt at Ft Sill (but early in the 1980's). It was also where I attended the Drill Sgt Academy. On our graduation day (at the Academy) there were two full platoons of us marching to have our class photo taken - we had just been awarded our "Pumpkins" and Hats (Pumpkin was the slang for the Drill Sgt Identification Badge). As we were marching in formation - two basic training Privates came around a corner with sodas in their hands. Apparently they weren't supposed to be there, because when they saw 60+ Drill Sgts bearing down on them, they screamed, tossed their drinks in the air and ran off. Funniest thing I had seen in a good while.

[@em1osmurf]

my father wore that hat in san diego boot camp in 1941. it eventually just fell to pieces--loved the man that wore it. thank you for this wonderful bit of history!

[@Monster11B]

Excellent episode... I love the enthusiasm and honor you exude as you narrate.

[@cesarriojas114]

What a wonderful video! I’ve been a Boy Scout my whole life and I’m now 57 years old! I have kept my BSA campaign hat (Stetson) in perfect condition for all these years and I’m hoping my son (Eagle Scout) will use it as his son grow and participated in Scouts! I would definitely agreed it’s a sign of professionalism! Wearing it has always made me feel I had to be at my best! Love the video! I learned a lot thanks!

[@johnlamb2333]

What a fine account of the history of this type of hat. Detailed and personal information. Thanks!

[@adilize1]

I love this episode. I am a lifelong scouter and as I am watching this episode I am looking at a patch with Baden Powel and his campaign hat. Always wondered if there was a connection with the US west, sure enough ya. I have also had the honor of being yelled at by Army DIs as well wearing the hat. Gods representatives on earth those guys wearing that hat. But of course the best was meeting Smokey the Bear in kindergarten wearing his hat. “He can spot a fire before it starts to flame.”, was the song we learned. Wonderful episode History Guy, don’t know how you dig up these topics but you are really a great historian, you keep us engaged.

[@alanhelton]

My favorite part of serving at Fort Huachuca, knowing I stood on the same land as those Buffalo Soldiers.

[@stephenswanson533]

Our hats is off to you sir. You so brilliantly interweave world history with your own personal and family history in such a genuine way but without overt sentiment -- very well done.

[@broncoremy]

While I have little to no interest in hats, this 16 or so minutes of history is far more enlightening and entertaining than anything I came across last evening in surfing 300 channels of worthless pap and drivel on television. I had the honor of getting the brim edge of the campaign hat right in the eye in boot camp when the DI and I happened to turn the wrong way together around a corner at the same time. To his credit he knew he got me good and all pretense of DI and recruit went out the window until he figured out I was ok. Thumbs up, THG.

[@mkupkatx]

Another awesome Video! I just shared it with my kids. Nothing more intimidating to a 19 year old kid, than stepping of the bus and meeting your smokey bear hat wearing DI for the first time. Man, those hats were sacred and produced tremendous respect.

[@irongoatrocky2343]

Thank You for this episode, I have one of these hats as I was a Drill Instructor in the US Army Reserve, It still is/was a genuine Stetson Fur Felt hat at the time of issue in 1977 it hangs on my wall to this day as an accomplishment of my Military service.

[@ashcustomworks]

This has been an unexpectedly satisfying episode. Lots of connections spanning the globe and three centuries. Bravo.

[@MagisterCobb]

Maybe one of my favorite episodes you have done yet. I love the personal touch you brought to this episode. Well done sir!

[@bassettraceengines]

Great job. I have my Dads he wore as a State Trooper and mine that I have worn for 28 years as a Deputy Sheriff.

[@golf2actual375]

By the way, the Army War College is in Carlisle, PA. After WWII, when it was temporarily closed, it reopened at Fort Levenworth for only 1 year (1950) before it moved to Carlisle. The Army Command & Staff College is at Fort Levenworth.

[@joecichlid]

The pin on this hat is from the Combined Arms Center as it turns out. I have a dear friend that works on post and she corrected me. lol

[@johnbockelie3899]

" Hey pardner, how do you like my 10 gallon hat ?".

[@donkemp8151]

Wore one of those for 18 months as a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Dix, NJ. February 1976 - August 1977. Good memories and experience.

[@snaponjohn100]

This was one of my favorites my friend. I think I’ve seen my father in that style of hat. he was born in 1908 and was in the Army air Corps and retired as a lieutenant colonel. God bless you. Keep up the great work. John

[@Chilly_Billy]

What a terrific bit of American history. I really enjoy such "offbeat" presentations. There is so much more to history than just names and dates.

[@dukecraig2402]

That "pinched symmetrically" top is called a Montana crease or peak, it started with cowboys in Montana who did that to them for rain drainage because of how much time they spent in the rain in that area, the traditional lengthways crease that cowboys used would build up water. A "Ten Gallon" hat has nothing to do with it's size or capacity despite common myth's, it's actually a missprounaction of the Mexican saying for a "10 galòn" hat meaning it was a hat tall enough to have 10 hat bands on it since hat bands were a sign of prestige, what it was that a man was awarded each hat band for whether it was winning some type of contest or removing them from the hats of men that had been bested in some way shape or form I do not know and have always been curious about.

[@johnschlaff5732]

Another myth buster.... YES!!!!😊

[@dukecraig2402]

@@johnschlaff5732 I've been collecting campaign hats and reading about them for years, unfortunately with the interest in "all things military" these past years the price of them has shot up through the roof, gone are the days of finding them at flea markets and yard sales for $5 to $10, and I'm the kind of guy that hates selling something once I own it no matter how much I make rolling it over.

[@somedaypilot]

I've also seen "tan galán", "so gallant", as an explanation for 10 gallon

[@dukecraig2402]

@Chang Noi So you're the grammar police?

[@GEORGEEDWARDBROWN]

@@somedaypilot western slur :)

[@donavanblue9247]

ever since a co-worker told me about your channel a year ago maybe, you Mrs. history guy & the history cat have been very much one of the few highlights in my days esp during these troublesome times. Please keep it up

[@LanielPhoto]

Great stories and explanations! Wore it in the boy scouts (Canadian) and RCMP. Hard and stiff, sometimes a little tiring. But great in the woods for deflecting branches and rain. Also used to carry water in, and easy to reshape into a "cowboy" hat and then back to a "Campaign" hat. Long live the Stetson, no matter the shape!

[@toddnks]

I enjoy your videos, watch and re-watch them, this one hits home, my father was a Marine DI when I was young, and I am a Scout leader who was given one by my first group of Cub Scouts when we bridged to Boy Scouts about 15 years ago. In my opinion there is nothing that looks quite as good on for "cover" as my father called all hats or caps, as a campaign hat. I am proud to wear mine, and knowing the history which covers many areas I have worked in, and enjoyed in my life, just makes it so much better. Thanks for the history!

[@SD-vr6nv]

Very interesting stuff.Hi from New Zealand,I still remember photos of three great uncles wearing their lemon squeezers,one in the middle east in WW1.My son also was issued one recently in NZ Army. It is nice to see how histories tie in from around the world.

[@kairakuwaeldreor3868]

Pleased that someone else mentioned the NZ army Lemon squeezer

[@timlatte8302]

From ww1 I think but creases were longer

[@VarangianGuard13]

My most sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. He was obviously a great and good man whom did many times his share of work and toil for this great nation. Thank you for passing on the knowledge of and pedigree regarding artifacts of the past, be they hats or other common objects. Lest we should forget the genesis of our own collective past. Every one of your videos is a treasure-trove of entertainment, thank you most sincerely.

[@dougjb7848]

4:40 Our condolences on your loss. It’s pretty easy to see, he was a good father.

[@donc9751]

I grew up with the "Smokie the bear hat also. Dad was career US Army and a Drill Sergeant during the Vietnam war. The had struck fear in the hearts of young trainees during their training, and even younger military dependants alike if they weren't doing what they should be when approached by someone wearing one of those "Smokie the best hats! Great video history guy!!!

[@stevenhowson4674]

Thanks HG, this is one of the most interesting vids you’ve done, and as an Aussie I like that you included the ANZAC link. Love your work 🦘

[@johnelliott7375]

If you only knew how priceless your work is. I watch as much as possible but the years of enjoyment and values of the lessons in my opinion is necessary to the history of the nation and the world. God bless and keep up the work.

[@whitedomerobert]

I don’t know why, but I caught my self being a bit emotive, when our History Guy took on the oath of a protective curator of the campaign hat. We all carry some bit of History Worth Remembering. Cherish it, record and pass it on.

[@twothreebravo]

As a former Army Drill Sergeant who received his "Brown Round" in 2007 this was a particularly enjoyably video. Thanks again for the quality content.

[@NZobservatory]

Hey THG, how about a video about the time the Chilean army fought a civil war against... the Chilean navy?

[@beerguy1320]

You’re sincere pleasure at the end of this episode is palpable. Truly a great hat, worn by many great men and women in support of country and service of their fellow man. Great episode History guy!

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

Love learning about the sometimes obscure history of things. The way you present the stories is so entertaining.

[@michaelwilts5349]

I didn't realize you were born in South Dakota. I was born and raised next door in Minnesota! My uncle, a police officer for his whole life (deputy, coroner, DEA agent, and eventually Chief Deputy) resided for a short time in Sioux Falls and eventually, for the remainder of his life, Sturgis. In his photo when he first became a deputy he was, of course, wearing the famed Campaign Hat. When I think of him, that's the image that always first comes to mind. Thank you for this video, and the history that deserves to be remembered.

[@chiswsuburbs6523]

..after clicking on the "thumbs up" I realized that it is a Geiger counter.....

[@kpkndusa]

Ha, good one.

[@dmutant2635]

Ouch...lol

[@johnfrank6135]

Dad joke....and a real groaner. Good job!

[@Thor-rq4lk]

Sir only you could make a video about campaign hats endlessly fascinating. I was especially blown away by the connection of the hat from scouts on the Dakotas to William Baden Powell and the scouting movement, with the hat becoming popular from there. These little historical connections make it so worthwhile for me!

[@tinkmarshino]

That was interesting.. but every time I see the campaign hat I think of my DI's in the corps ..staff sergeant Mitchell and staff sergeant Roan (1969 platoon 2083) ... God bless those men.. they scared the childhood outta me and turned a 17 year old boy into a marine.. I hope they still live and are happy men.. I am..

[@cybrarian9]

It just goes to show that how a relatively common article of clothing can have so much historical significance in addition to its personal significance and evoke incredible memories that can tangentially bring up others when looked at in an historical context. As a fan of hats, I can completely relate to this story.

[@williamsanders5066]

There are 6 trees planted in Custer-Gallatin National Forest in Montana in my father's memory donated by the Dallas FBI Field Office.

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Thank you for his law enforcement service.

[@johnbockelie3899]

Bambi. Was produced by Walt Disney in 1942. I saw this cartoon when I was probably 6, or 7 , 1966 or 1967.

[@johnbockelie3899]

Theodore Roosevelt led the Rough Riders before he was ever President.

[@johnbockelie3899]

It wouldn't be an RCMP uniform with out that HAT !!.

[@johnbockelie3899]

Girl Scouts started in England , at that time they were called Girl Guides. Boy Scouts got their start in England also in 1910.

[@jerrycooper6033]

My brother was given our Grandad's campaign hat he wore during WWI by Grandad before he passed. I have always thought it was an honor, for my brother, to receive such a historic gift.

[@matthewellisor5835]

You well "covered" this topic.

[@DeconvertedMan]

Ooooo I see what you did there.

[@greenmile9496]

Thoroughly “covered” indeed! Definitely not something “done at the drop of a hat”

[@imouse3246]

Keep this under your hat.

[@monkeywrench4169]

That’s it. I’m done. G’bye internet.

[@mercator79]

That's because when it comes to history, he's an old hat!

[@jimpitts5110]

I still have 2 campaign hats from days as Scoutmaster (1998-2003). One I wore on the outings, rain or shine, and the other was for ceremonies. The outings one has a lot of “character” now - still use, sometimes, when I go camping. Works great for inclement weather! The ceremonial one I store in a hat press - keeps the the brim flat and straight. As with you, lot of great memories from these hats!

[@Sarah-ok6xq]

My husband says "stampede strap" instead of cavalry strap. He says he got that from his grandad (GG, so b. 1928). Oddly, we live in NM and just had a plenty good fire roll through. Seems as if forestry's "prescribed controlled burns" in 40+mph winds are a bad idea. Who knew huh?

[@billwyatt2449]

I earned my Eagle Scout in 1975. I was gifted a LBP Scout hat by a Troop I worked with in England during military service. I have been in and out of Scouting my whole life. My Champaign Hat hangs at the ready. Thanks for the history.

[@godfreycarmichael]

Dude, that was a really great ride. I like how you tied the personal to the historical. I know %1000 more about campaign hats than I knew before. I never even knew what they were called.

[@GEORGEEDWARDBROWN]

Look up the SMITHSONIUM MUSEAM SERIES ON THE 1904 ARMY/USMC field hats, pretty interesting with good pictures of my grandfather CO's wearing the 1904 and the DI style hats.

[@danpoole4915]

Great history. My granfarher fought in WWII and attended West Point, class of '24. After that he worked for the USGS on the Land Survey until retiring in '64. I have a photo of whom wearing a campaign hat in New Mexico in the 30's. My brothers and I were all scouts and more than 1 leader sported a campaign hat. Thanks.

[@dougjb7848]

“It’s getting too dang citified around here.” Said in 1893 of the American frontier, by Bill Brasky’s great-great-grandfather.

[@woody1320]

Greetings from South Dakota and thank you for all you do!!! (Retired Navy here)

[@hornetscales8274]

I was wondering when you would get to my first experience with the Campaign Cover: the experience of having a Drill Instructor under it.

[@timf2279]

Thank you for sharing your family and personal history with me. I know that campaign hat will be cherished and well taken care of.

[@n7nja851]

"I wanna be a drill instructor I wanna cut off all of my hair I wanna be a drill instructor I wanna wear that smokey bear"

[@oldesertguy9616]

@Lovecraft if I remember correctly, it was "my recruiter lied to me." Lol.

[@n7nja851]

@@oldesertguy9616 my recruiter was a straight shooter, as well. The only thing he didn't tell me about was the eggs.

[@oldesertguy9616]

I was referring to the cadence, "Momma, Momma can't you see? My recruiter lied to me."

[@michaelcerkez3895]

73 OM

[@RudeDude2140]

@Lovecraft The Blue Falcons got you too.

[@UltaPowderfinger]

That thought at the end, made you pause, caught your breath and touched me as well. Preserve that beauty. Thanks for the informative and surprisingly touching post. PEACE!

[@janetaylor718]

Correction for your video: The Army War College is located in Carlisle PA at Carlisle Barracks. The Command and General Staff College is located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I know this because my father, a career military person, attended both and served on the faculty at the War College. Hope this helps your history. Loved the video--really interesting.

[@waynebrundidge206]

I greatly enjoyed the history of the campaign hat. I also enjoyed your personal history of your life with the hat. The hat makes me remember my basic training and life in the Army.

[@baardkopperud]

Suddenly "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley more sense...

[@Aerosnapper]

Brilliant, very well researched and related narrative. The Campaign Hat now means even more to me as a retired Army officer...