I found that this style started in 1944 but I have no idea how long they continued to be used 

That is some thorough research! Well done N. Jerry  

Sending it off to the world war 2 aviation museum in Colorado. Seems like a good home 

As much as I do love a good German helmet- yep not US or any bring back info. so locking this one down~!

I have this DCU cover.  It has no suits and a different stamp in side that I am not accustomed to seeing on this type of cover.  Is it real?

Trying to figure out the era of these collar devices. I am leaning towards pre WW1 but how far back I am unsure.  Thanks for any assistance  the only marking is “bronze” on the infantry pin 

On another forum that specializes in German Helmets and militaria (WRF), there was an interesting topic regarding chicken wire and the type of twisting of the wire (left to right and right to left twists) and which twists were identified as German applied CW vs post war and fake...   The helmet itself is nice...   Leigh     

Thank you, I felt that this was something worth sharing, here's the lining of Billy Mitchell open collar uniform, even if it's post world war one, it's was used before the army adopted the open collar model as their standard issue and it is in fact a tailor made tunic.

I have never seen one of those in hand, so I am not sure if they were converted British uniforms, or tailor made in that style. With so many US Officer Air Corps uniforms found made by French and British tailors, I would not be surprised if they were just made up for the individual flyer wanting that style. I would also love to hear from anyone else who might know more. Interesting post. 

The majority of the photos of those pilots were taken while in service with the RFC or of squadrons that fought alongside them, so it would make sense, especially because the few photos of American pilots on the Italian front I've seen don't show a singular person with the open collar style