Helmet, Flying, Summer, Type A-8, USAAF, Paratrooper, 1941, Large

Nice genuine WWII USAAF Type A-8 summer flying helmet, khaki gabardine with russet leather chin cup. Standardized on October 12, 1933 for the Air Corps, this helmet was mostly worn by paratroops in both training and actual combat conditions. Seen in period photos of most campaigns -- Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Holland... See D-Day Publishing books: Carentan (pp. 80-81), Sainte-Mère-Eglise (p. 117), and Bridges Are Ours (p. 900).

The present helmet is good, worn condition and retains its labels. Contract is dated 1941. Size Large. The USAAF insignia has been inked on the front.