mds308 Posted March 29, 2017 Share #1 Posted March 29, 2017 This was one of the helmets from the grouping. These items (plus more) came from the estate of LCDR James Odonnell USNR. LCDR was a WWII fighter pilot. In the first post I have his helmet and in the next post I have the picture of him flying an F8F Bearcat and his wing man snapped a picture of him. There is glare across the cockpit but you can clearly see the Vargas style stickers on his helmet. I believe this picture was taken in the late 1940s or very early 1950s. A very nice pair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds308 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted March 29, 2017 The rest of the story..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1canpara Posted March 29, 2017 Share #3 Posted March 29, 2017 That is a very cool helmet and the photo nails it! Wow! Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted March 29, 2017 Share #4 Posted March 29, 2017 I like both also...t he plane image is really neat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted March 29, 2017 Share #5 Posted March 29, 2017 Nice helmet! The helmet is actually an H-2. Much more difficult to find than the later H-4. The H-2 did not use a separate liner like the H-3 and H-4 did. Also, the communications cables are different and there should be a switch on the lower right rear of the H-2 to select the boom microphone or oxygen mask microphone. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hink441 Posted March 29, 2017 Share #6 Posted March 29, 2017 Great helmet with a period picture to boot!!! Awesome!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds308 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted March 29, 2017 Thanks northcoastaero. H2. I would have never known. Here are some other images including the switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds308 Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted March 29, 2017 Two more images. Leather padding is still soft and supple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcoastaero Posted March 31, 2017 Share #9 Posted March 31, 2017 I just read that the single letter tail code was introduced sometime during 1950 for the Naval Air Reserve units. The letter S represented NAS Norfolk, as stated on the F8F Bearcat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds308 Posted March 31, 2017 Author Share #10 Posted March 31, 2017 Thanks northcoastaero. As always, you are full of knowledge. I'll be posting another helmet for you and others to review or just view.<br /><br /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bebel Posted April 1, 2017 Share #11 Posted April 1, 2017 It's very difficult to get H-1 and H-2 helmets. And most particulary if complete as your and personalized. A very nice set with the picture! Franck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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