This U.S. Navy full dress bicorne hat belonged to Admiral John Edward Gingrich (1897-1960). Gingrich was born in Dodge City, Kansas. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1919. As Captain of the cruiser Pittsburgh in 1945, he received a silver star for assisting the crippled aircraft carrier Franklin. He also received a Legion of Merit and gold star for safely sailing his cruiser following severe typhoon damage in June 1945. Gingrich promoted to Rear Admiral late in 1945. In 1947, he became the first director of the Division of Security and Intelligence at the Atomic Energy Commission. Gingrich commanded the Blockade and Escort Force in 1952, for which he received the Distinguished Service Medal. He retired in 1954 with the rank of four-star Admiral. He died in New York City in 1960.

Creator: Unt Rankin Leather Company
Date: between 1945 and 1947