Vietnam War U-Tapao Thailand US Air Force Boonie Hat. HE 341. Vietnam War U-Tapao Thailand US Air Force Boonie Hat. HE 341. Miscellaneous

Boonie hats got their name, legend has it, from a Tagalog word “bundok,” which means mountain. The term “boondocks” started getting used by Army service personnel during the Philippine American War which started in 1899 when Filipinos rose up to fight for their independence rather than be ruled by another colonial leader. Boondocks was used as military slang for Filipinos from the mountains. The term evolved to mean anything associated with the jungle or remote wilderness. Over the years it became “boonie” for short. In very good condition, size 4, the inner liner is in excellent condition. To the right hand side of the hat there is a ‘U-Tapao’ badge (U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield is a military airfield of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). To the left hand side is a ‘Thailand’ badge. The rear badge is what appears to be a ‘Confederate flag’ and to the front looks to be a ‘Thai Special Forces’ badge. The neck strap/cord is in perfect condition, the air vents and press studs are as they should be. The price for this interesting piece includes UK delivery. HE 341.