Made of fine quality gray wool, with a dark green felt band, bright rose colored wool piping, silver wire chinstrap, stamped aluminum national emblem, cockade and wreath leather sweat band, and cream rayon lining. The sweatband and lining both bear Erel markings, with the lining also marked "Private's", traditionally indicating a higher quality item for private purchase. Attached to the left side of the band is a metal unit badge, depicting a 1800s vintage grenadier in profile, set in a circle. Originally formed in 1934 as the 23rd Infantry Division "Grenadierkopf" (Grenadier Head) and redesignated the 26th Panzer in 1942, the unit returned to Italy in 1943 to war's end. Per consignor-supplied excerpts from the book "Brenner's Assignment" by Patrick O'Donnell, the 26th Panzer surrendered to a small detachment of the American OSS Captain Chappell around early May of 1945. The Brenner assignment, quoted as the last spy mission of World War II, commanded by OSS Captain Howard Chappell, was assigned to Italy (OG Group "Tacoma"). As with OSS groups, each soldier was elite. Chappell, in charge of his OG, came from a polygot of people from all over the world. These men were different. Chappell reflected on their bond and that he trusted all men in his unit, but Sgt. Fabrega, he trusted with his life. This trust was tested numerous times. On September 22, 1945, Salvadore Fabrega, along with the group, received dsm awards. Fabrega received the highest award among all his men, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Very good, with some light wear on the piping and mild handling marks overall. Some stitching is lost from the sweatband, and the interior shows evidence of heavy use and sweat staining.