Helmet Unit ID?

[C.G.]

Greetings all. New member, long time VN collector. Acquired this modified P-2 and was wondering if anyone might have any ideas as to the unit “ Red Bull “ ? Armor unit? 

[Vark_07]

I don't know anything about armor units, but from what I see I'm pretty sure it was a formerly USAF P-2 (or perhaps retrofitted P-1) - can't read the label on the picture but i take your word for it.
I see the remains of the tilt-visor attachments on the shell (these triangle-shaped plates on each side that were painted over with the whole shell), besides the audio doesn't look like USAF to me (especially the com plugs) and there are no signs of O² mask retention tabs, so I think your guess is correct : it indeed was no longer a flying helmet in that state.
However, out of curiosity I  searched for "Red Bull" USAF units, and the only match was the 87th FIS (-intercetor squadron) which took this name and emblema circa 1969 (then became 87th FTS - training squadron), so definitely this older helmet and its paintjob (green color / bull emblema) don't have anything to do with this USAF unit at that time.

Looking for an armor crew's custom helmet, if I were you I'd search for US ARMY units, and the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division could be a hint, for I think this division had armor / cavalry regiments. Again, I don't know anything about armor units, just sharing my deductions and search results.
Hopefully you ought to dig in that direction .

[C.G.]

Much appreciated! 

[C.G.]

There is just too much to collect! Here is a couple more in my collection, have a bit more! 

[C.G.]

Really like the nylon flight jackets 

[mohawkALSE]

I like the Army stuff there, looks like an early APH-5.  Whats the patch above the wings on the orange K-2B flight suit?

[C.G.]

I’ll upload a close up of the patch later today. ( Joint US Military Advisory Group Thailand ) He was there in 1964/65. 

[Vark_07]

I concur with you Mohawk, seems like an early Army APH-5A, the iconic external strings of the earcups' retentions are visible on the left, and I see what looks like a M-33 boom mike.

The white visor housing with metal track looks the same as the one fitted on HGU-2/P, and the presence of the early and rare 6-lobe Sierra OD knob could be a clue to its manufacturing history.

 

Very interesting set indeed. I'd like to see close-ups of this helmet too C.G., if it's not too much to ask .

[C.G.]

Here is the JUSMAG patch, additional photos of the helmet & other pieces from the same group. 

[viking73]

That orange flight suit is really killer, thanks for sharing!

 

-Derek

 

 

[mohawkALSE]

That is a nice Army grouping there. 

[Vark_07]

Thanks for all the additional pics C.G. , much appreciated. Really cool named grouping, with a terrific helmet to top it all !

Leather pads and the shel's paint appear to be in very good condition, I must say.

I'm glad the label proved my guess about the 6-lobe knob to be correct, it was indeed manufactured by Sierra.

[Wayward Son]

That APH-5, along with the associated uniforms, are absolutely terrific! Well done!

[C.G.]

Thanks Gents! 
 

My main area of collecting is Vietnam! Fortunate to have known this veteran who sadly passed away a couple years ago. Huge grouping which thankfully wasn’t just tossed in the dumpster for real!!

[mohawkALSE]

That holster is very much like the one my father had when he was flying in Vietnam 1969-1970.  Wish he thought to bring it home but he sold it to his replacement.   Does the belt have bullet loops too? I know seeing the loops going up the holster wasn't always a thing, but my fathers had it like that.  The local people used to sell them on the bases, he thinks they were made in Thailand.

[C.G.]

The holster does have bullet loops on the opposite side.

[mohawkALSE]

That holster or belt have any markings on it?  This is a pic of my father wearing his in Dec 1969 at FSB Roy,  RVN.  

[C.G.]

I don’t think it does when I first acquired everything I really looked close at it for markings.