Those pics look better - so be the rigors of Internet finish diagnosis.     Lighting, angles, even a wipe-down with an oily rag can dramatically change appearance.

I can't help but notice that the graffiti extends to include that post war elastic band (calendar months).     So someone added a post war band to an original graffitied cover, then added matching graffiti to that?  

The back.

As an FYI, you don't want to put the wrench on the legs, you want to grab the front receiver ring. 

interwar period.  Enlisted dress emblem.   Steve 

A "garrison cap" is what is commonly referred to as the "overseas cap", with no visor.   Steve 

OOOOH!!!! This is nice! US Army Transportation Service or ATS. They had more boats than the navy. Great buckle!!! 

You might be right but I’ve handled quite a few 1st Cav patches however never had one like this.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ARmS6w8C2/?mibextid=wwXIfr   video of WW2 landing party from USS Iowa, BB-61, 1945

I have seen pictures of Gen. Eisenhower talking with his troops during WWII. He is wearing a "garrison cap".  There is no gold braid on the brim of his cap. When did gold braid or "scrambled eggs" first adorn the brims of General Officers' garrison caps? Pictures of Gen. MacArthur show something of a "braid" on the brim of his cap.  Did different General Officers have the option of what would be placed on the brim of their garrison caps?