Korean War veteran hat and apparel collection
The Korean conflict ran from June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955, under 38 CFR § 3.2(e). This collection carries original "KOREAN WAR / VETERAN" typography on embroidered hats, heavyweight shirts, polos, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, mugs, and stickers. The guide below compares blanks, sizing, and the history behind the era.
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Remembering the veterans of the Korean conflict
Between 1950 and 1955, American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines deployed across the rugged terrain and frigid winters of the Korean Peninsula. Often overshadowed by other twentieth-century conflicts, the men and women who served in Korea demonstrated extraordinary courage at the Chosin Reservoir, Inchon, and along the 38th Parallel. As part of our complete lineup of veteran hats and apparel, our Korean War collection honors this generation of service members.
Every item in the Korean War collection features clean two-line typography with “KOREAN WAR” set over “VETERAN” and a horizontal rule between them. On our caps, the design is stitched into the large front embroidery area; on our t-shirts, it is printed on the chest.
Official Korean conflict service dates per 38 CFR 3.2(e)
Under federal regulation, establishing service dates is essential for securing statutory wartime benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines the Korean conflict under 38 CFR § 3.2(e) as:
June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955, inclusive.
Veterans who served on active duty anywhere in the armed forces during this window meet the statutory criteria for wartime service under 38 U.S.C. § 1521, which governs eligibility for non-service-connected Veterans Pension (and Priority Group 5 VA health care for pension recipients), while service-connected disability compensation covers injuries such as cold-weather frostbite residuals under 38 CFR § 3.309(e).
Korean War collection: dad hat, trucker hat, and heavyweight tee
We offer the Korean War veteran typography across three blanks:
- Korean War veteran dad hat (Yupoong 6245CM): An unstructured, 6-panel, low-profile cap with a 3 1/8″ (7.6 cm) crown, curved visor, 6 embroidered eyelets, and an adjustable strap with an antique buckle. Made of 100% chino cotton twill. Available in Black, Dark Grey, Khaki, Navy, Spruce, and Stone.
- Korean War veteran trucker hat (Yupoong 6606): A structured, six-panel, mid-profile cap with a low-profile embroidery area and a 3.5″ (8.9 cm) crown. Built with hard buckram front panels, a mesh back for days in the sun, a Permacurv® visor with matching undervisor, and a plastic adjustable closure fitting head circumferences from 21 5/8″ to 23 5/8″ (54.9 cm to 60 cm). Fabric composition varies depending on color and available stock between 60% cotton / 40% polyester and 74% polyester / 26% cotton (blank product sourced from Vietnam or Bangladesh). Available in Black, Brown/Khaki, Charcoal/Black, Heather Grey/White, Moss/Khaki, and Navy/White.
- Korean War veteran tee (Comfort Colors 1717): A unisex garment-dyed heavyweight t-shirt made of 100% ring-spun cotton at a fabric weight of 6.1 oz/yd² (206.8 g/m²). Built with a relaxed fit, a 7/8″ double-needle topstitched collar, twill-taped neck and shoulders for extra durability, and double-needle armhole, sleeve, and bottom hems (blank product sourced from Honduras). Available in Black, Granite, Khaki, Moss, True Navy, and White.
Across all three products, we use light thread or ink on Black, Navy, Spruce, Dark Grey, Charcoal/Black, Moss/Khaki, Navy/White, Brown/Khaki, True Navy, Moss, and Granite, and dark thread or ink on Khaki, Stone, Heather Grey/White, and White. Two hats, one for each of you: pair a Korean War veteran dad hat and trucker hat—or combine with a general Veteran cap—for a veteran and family member.
DoD trademark compliance and typography design
Under federal statute (10 U.S.C. § 2260) and Department of Defense Instruction 5535.12 (DoD Branding and Trademark Licensing Program Implementation), service-branch names, seals, insignia, unit patches, flags, and medals are protected trademarks that require a license.
Truth Veteran uses straightforward two-line typography—“KOREAN WAR” over “VETERAN” with a dividing rule—providing legible lettering on hats and tees without using restricted military insignia.
Preserving service history and benefits resources
Families seeking to preserve a Korean War veteran’s service documents can learn how to request official discharge papers in our guide on what is a DD214. For veterans and surviving spouses managing disability claims, review current compensation levels in our VA disability pay chart.
To find thoughtful gift ideas for senior veterans, including shadowboxes, framed documents, and Honor Flight sponsorships, explore our guide on gifts for veterans.
Frequently asked questions
What are the official Korean conflict service dates under 38 CFR 3.2(e)?
Under 38 CFR § 3.2(e), the Department of Veterans Affairs defines the Korean conflict as June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955, inclusive. Active service during these dates establishes wartime veteran status for non-service-connected Veterans Pension under 38 U.S.C. § 1521 (which also qualifies recipients for Priority Group 5 VA health care) and wartime burial benefits.
Why is the Korean War often called the Forgotten War?
The Korean War is frequently called the Forgotten War because it occurred between the massive mobilization of World War II and the protracted cultural conflict of Vietnam, receiving comparatively less initial media and public attention. However, more than 5.7 million Americans served during the conflict, enduring extreme winter combat and fierce engagements.
Are these caps and shirts official military issue or licensed branch merchandise?
No. Commercial reproduction of military branch names, seals, unit patches, and medals requires an official Department of Defense license. Our items use original commemorative lettering to honor Korean War veterans without claiming official government status.
How do the dad hat, trucker hat, and heavyweight tee compare in construction and fit?
The Classic Dad Hat (Yupoong 6245CM) is an unstructured, 6-panel, low-profile 100% chino cotton twill cap with a 3 1/8 inch (7.6 cm) crown and an adjustable strap with an antique buckle. The Retro Trucker Hat (Yupoong 6606) is a structured, six-panel, mid-profile cap with a 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) crown, hard buckram front panels, mesh back, and plastic adjustable closure (21 5/8 to 23 5/8 inches). The Comfort Colors 1717 tee is a relaxed-fit, garment-dyed 6.1 oz/yd² 100% ring-spun cotton t-shirt.
How can a family member replace a lost Korean War DD Form 214?
A veteran or their surviving next of kin can request an official copy of military discharge papers from the National Personnel Records Center using standard Form SF-180 or the online eVetRecs portal. Although a 1973 fire damaged some military service records, archivists can often reconstruct service records using alternate government files.