Major General Thomas Rhame wore this cap while commanding the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID) to victory during the 1991 Gulf War. The two stars on the cap indicate his rank.

The 1 ID wore combat helmets during deployment, preparation and combat. After they returned to the port of Dharan, the officers (including General Rhame) relaxed and wore soft caps.

Major General (MG) Thomas G. Rhame wanted the 1 ID to be in the 1991 Gulf War. He felt that the division’s soldiers were “as good as any in our lifetime,” and that America’s army could successfully drive the Iraqis from Kuwait.

Rhame was a highly-decorated officer who had served two combat tours in Vietnam. He was a strong, no-nonsense leader who said clearly what he wanted, and made it possible for those in his command to do their jobs well. Rhame trained and deployed the division from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Saudi Arabia, and then commanded them in combat.

Although the 1 ID was the last division to deploy from the US, Rhame led them in the coalition’s initial attack to break through Iraqi defensive positions.