adda91 Posted September 2, 2023 #1 Posted September 2, 2023 This helmet aph 5 belonged to a VMA 121 ( attack squadron) pilot. Rank - Captain USMCR ( R for reserve) . The officer is a reservist. The mask ms 22001 belonged to the same pilot and same period (1960) Vma 121 squadron used the A4 Skyhawk in 1959 and in the beginning of 60's I tried to shearch some items (photo , gear , ) of the vma 121 squadron in the beginning of the 1960's
adda91 Posted September 2, 2023 Author #3 Posted September 2, 2023 Thanks. The pilot. Captain Richard Francis Gross was in the vmf 141 squadron before vma 121 ( vmf 141 and the name of the pilot written on the mask)
adda91 Posted September 2, 2023 Author #4 Posted September 2, 2023 I had some documents ( dog tags , name tag with wings of gold...) and some gears of him I add them on the topic soon ( as soon as I find the box
manayunkman Posted September 2, 2023 #5 Posted September 2, 2023 I have 2 Navy helmet groups. I need to get them out and photo them
adda91 Posted September 2, 2023 Author #6 Posted September 2, 2023 Thanks. Happy to see them soon . Tiring to get out the items from boxes or showcases particularly helmet and O2 mask which are fragile
adda91 Posted February 20, 2024 Author #9 Posted February 20, 2024 His dog tags and leather name plate
BlueBookGuy Posted March 10, 2024 #10 Posted March 10, 2024 sorry having noticed this thread lately, one thing sure is interesting to me - I have a nearly identical APH-5 together w/ a MS-22001 mask (this one having a much simpler MC-3A connector) dated 1958, that does sport the Hardman Kit as well. My mask like your's is equipped w/ the old MC-254 mic that had been replaced by the newer kind, dynamic M-32 AIC microphone when a new and different kind of comm. sets for US military airplanes arrived around 1954. Evidently the change wasn't meant for all the masks?, maybe had this to do with wich the airplane model was back then? Any opinion is very welcomed. Tinking at first someone who knows where and when, could have replaced the correct microphone in my mask with an older (and uncorrect) one but, likely it isn'the case?
adda91 Posted March 10, 2024 Author #11 Posted March 10, 2024 Hello. Thé Mask has the date 54/55/56 Some others photos
BlueBookGuy Posted March 11, 2024 #12 Posted March 11, 2024 most likely the present high-pressure hose + regulator have been fitted later to a mask body sporting such dates? Or maybe not, yet the older and outdated M-254 mike still is there and is part of the integrated hose/comm. system, that's what I've noticed.
adda91 Posted March 11, 2024 Author #13 Posted March 11, 2024 On the green rubber (date 54/55/56) is written " richard gross/ vmf 141/ MAG 2. So this pilot used This Mask from 1954/55 through 1962. Perhaps the connected /system where updated between 55 and 62
Vark_07 Posted March 28, 2024 #14 Posted March 28, 2024 The "pie chart" with the dots molded on the mask states it was manufactured in October 1956, but that doesn't mean it was issued to the aviator immediately, though 🙂. The miniregulator (sporting the specific A-4 / F-8 / A-3 REDAR hose) was inspected on March 62 and was due until March 65, so that clearly means he was using this mask setup before, and still flying Skyhawks in 1962 and on. You should try to look on the mask's hardshell harness, there's usually a label sewn, perhaps it sports a date ? This APH-5 is very likely from a late 50's contract (circa 57-59) because of the thick leather sizing pads replacing the original "sponge liner", and the Hardman receivers. Either issued as is, or upgraded slightly later with those receivers - but again, just like the mask, the helmet contract date doesn't mean it was issued to the aviator immediately. We can also take into account that Hardman receivers were replaced by Sierra 345-30 black cast receivers circa 1961 (with T-bayos on the masks), so it's safe to say your aviator was issued this helmet prior to 61 and most likely in the late 50's. Overall, in that material configuration, I'd say you have a very nice Skyhawk APH-5 setup iconic of the late 50's / early 60's 😉 (most probably in the 59-63 period considering all the datation elements).
Bebel Posted April 9, 2024 #15 Posted April 9, 2024 A scarce REDAR model from the 1st generation, I guess. Very nice!
BlueBookGuy Posted April 9, 2024 #16 Posted April 9, 2024 On 3/28/2024 at 3:39 PM, Vark_07 said: The "pie chart" with the dots molded on the mask states it was manufactured in October 1956, but that doesn't mean it was issued to the aviator immediately, though 🙂. The miniregulator (sporting the specific A-4 / F-8 / A-3 REDAR hose) was inspected on March 62 and was due until March 65, so that clearly means he was using this mask setup before, and still flying Skyhawks in 1962 and on. You should try to look on the mask's hardshell harness, there's usually a label sewn, perhaps it sports a date ? This APH-5 is very likely from a late 50's contract (circa 57-59) because of the thick leather sizing pads replacing the original "sponge liner", and the Hardman receivers. Either issued as is, or upgraded slightly later with those receivers - but again, just like the mask, the helmet contract date doesn't mean it was issued to the aviator immediately. We can also take into account that Hardman receivers were replaced by Sierra 345-30 black cast receivers circa 1961 (with T-bayos on the masks), so it's safe to say your aviator was issued this helmet prior to 61 and most likely in the late 50's. Overall, in that material configuration, I'd say you have a very nice Skyhawk APH-5 setup iconic of the late 50's / early 60's 😉 (most probably in the 59-63 period considering all the datation elements). A well detailed post with many useful infos! I wondered time ago about a more or less precise datation of when the Hardman retention kit was first placed into service. I had many years ago a photocopy of a 1960 USAF manual describing all the personal flight items (clothing and equipment) and the said kit was cited as introduced in early 1958 if I remember correct. Some sources I had found on the web gave instead the 1957 but w/o any further details. Any way in order to narrow the timeframe as much as possible? Thanx very much.
adda91 Posted April 9, 2024 Author #18 Posted April 9, 2024 Others pics. Sorry for thé inverted pics.
adda91 Posted November 9, 2024 Author #20 Posted November 9, 2024 Hello. More about richard Francis gross https://fr.findagrave.com/memorial/185070859/richard_francis-gross/photo
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