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The author wearing an embroidered bullion cap device at his retirement ceremony.
(Courtesy of the Author)

Fading But Not Yet Gone

The Gold Bullion Officer Cap Device is an iconic piece of Navy uniform history—and it is still within regulations today.
By Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. Martin, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Retired 
December 2021
Naval History Magazine
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The August 2020 issue of Naval History featured a handful of articles centered around the recently released movie Greyhound. Gracing the cover was Tom Hanks in his movie role as Commander Ernest Krause. Hanks’ image includes a particular piece of naval uniform history: the bullion-embroidered Navy officer cap device. When and why did this classic rendering of the venerated and historic emblem disappear—or has it?

In the Navy’s uniform regulations of 1897, only the embroidered cap device was described for officers, although its description was virtually identical to the one worn today. What may come as a surprise to some is that these beautiful classic bullion-embroidered devices are still authorized for wear.

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Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. Martin, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, Retired

LCDR Martin holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of San Francisco and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air Command & Staff College. He attributes his diverse career choices to teenage experiences in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, where he now volunteers an adult leader. Martin is a qualified Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps Officer, authorized to wear the Small Craft Insignia, and various other service medals and ribbons.

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