Photo credit: Museum staff
Accession Number: C.2025.29.1
Dimensions: 4 in X 7.25 in X 11.25 in
Dimensions (Metric): 10.16 cm X 18.415 cm X 28.575 cm
Credit Line: Gift of James Whittaker
Description
Eight-pointed U.S. Marines desert uniform cap. The cap features the three-color Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), using a digital camouflage design of pixelated patterns at a range of scales. The colors are in shades of tan, reflecting a desert landscape. On the front, embroidered in dark tan, is the symbol for the U.S. Marines, defined by an eagle representing the United States of America; a globe to signify the Corps’ worldwide presence; and an anchor acknowledging the Corps’ naval heritage and global ability to access any battleground across any coastline.
Historical Notes
James Whittaker was 18 years old on 9/11. While he always aspired to serve his country in the military, he credits the 2001 terrorist attacks with reinforcing that commitment and motivating his enlistment in the U.S. Marines. Signing up in 2003, he began boot camp in 2004 and was sent to Iraq in 2005 as an infantryman—his first of two deployments under the banner of the Global War on Terrorism.