This is a woven straw sun helmet presented to Brigadier General Leonard Wood by the Domingo Mendez Capote. Capote was a General of Cuban rebel forces during the Spanish American War, and was appointed the Vice President of Cuba after hostilities ceased. Leonard Wood was born in Winchester, New Hampshire on 9 October, 1860 and died 7 August, 1927. He graduated from Harvard with a medical degree in 1884, and took a position as an assistant surgeon in the United States Army in 1886. Wood was stationed with the 4th Cavalry at Ft Huachua, Arizona. He participated in the last campaign against Geronimo in 1886. During this campaign Wood carried dispatches over 100 miles through hostile territory, and commanded a detachment of the 8th Infantry regiment when their officers were killed. This detachment was involved in hand to hand combat against the Apache, and under Woods leadership was successful. For these actions Leonard Wood was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1895 he was appointed as the White House physician to President Grover Cleveland and later to William McKinley. It was during that time that he became close friends with Teddy Roosevelt. When the United States declared war on Spain, Wood and Roosevelt organized the First US Volunteer Cavalry, soon to become known as the Rough Riders. Leonard Wood was appointed as the Colonel of the regiment, with Teddy Roosevelt serving as second in command of the regiment as a Lieutenant Colonel. Colonel Wood commanded the regiment in a successful engagement at Las Guasimas during the Santiago campaign. Later the brigade commander, Samuel Young, became ill, and Wood was promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers and assumed command of the 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Fifth Army Corps. He led the brigade to the famous victory at Kettle Hill and San Juan Heights. After the surrender of Santiago, Brigadier General Wood was appointed military governor of the city. It was during this period that Domingo Mendez Capote, a doctor himself, former General of Cuban rebels, and first Vice President of Cuba, presented Wood with this sun helmet. The tightly woven straw helmet is in excellent condition. It is approximately 14" in length, 11 1/2" wide and has a crown approximately 6 1/2" high. The front and rear sloping visors are 3 1/2" long, while the sides are 2" wide. A 1" leather band encompasses the crown, bordered by a twisted blue and white cotton cord on each side. A 2" russet leather sweat band is in good condition. On the left side of the sweat band is an ink stamped makers mark. Sewn onto the right side of the crown is a small silk Cuban flag. The flag is in good condition with minimal fraying at the bottom edge. The red, white and blue colors are still very vibrant. A small brass star is attached to the red field. A gold bullion embroidered Brigadier General star on a black velvet background measuring 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" is sewn on the front of the helmet. The helmet is roughly a size 7 1/2. Stitched onto the right front of the visor is a small hand written tag that reads "Given to Gen'l Leonard Wood by Gen'l Domingo Capote". This is an incredible piece of history from a very distinguished American. Leonard Wood was a doctor, medical officer, line officer, recipient of the Medal of Honor, commander of the Rough Riders, Military Governor of Santiago, Military Governor Cuba, Army Chief of Staff and Governor General of the Philippines. The home of the United States Army Combat Engineers is located on Ft Leonard Wood, Missouri. You will never get an opportunity like this again!

Item # AA1038

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