Original Items: Only One Lot Available. This is a wonderful grouping for a Helicopter Pilot during the later part of the Vietnam War. The main feature of the grouping has to be the lovely service used APH-5 helmet, as worn by all branches of the Armed Forces during the War. This Helmet appears to have been very well used, and repainted multiple times during its period of service. Has a functional but broken tinted visor as well as boom mic (repaired) and ear padding. The Gentex label is still present and states the helmet is dated 1968 and is a size Large.

Also included in the grouping is the following:
- 1974 Dated Medium Regular “JACKET, FLYER’S: COLD WEATHER: This is an excellent example of a heavily worn but not damaged cold weather flight jacket. The jacket still retains the correct labeling on the interior lining. The front right chest features a patch for the 281st Assault Helicopter Company.

The 281st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) ("Intruders") was stationed at Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam 1965-1970; originally attached to the 5th Special Forces Group and situated inside the Special Forces Operating Base (SFOB). The 281st AHC was the first US Army Helicopter Company organized and trained as a Special Operations Aviation unit in the Republic of Vietnam. A combat aviation task force from the unit was attached, as requested, to Detachment B-52, Project Delta, a Special Operations Augmentation unit that conducted strategic reconnaissance and other clandestine operations throughout the country of South Vietnam. This attachment constituted the major mission of the unit and resulted in it being named the US Army´s First Special Operations Helicopter Company. The 281st trained with and supported the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) RECONDO Training Center in Nha Trang and in its later years provided support for all Major Commands (MACOMs) within the II Corps Tactical Zone.

The left shoulder features the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for the 102nd Infantry Division.

- COVERALL, FLYING, MEN’S, TYPE CWU 1/P Flying Suit: These were used during the Vietnam war and were changed over to green in case crew were shot down and needed to escape and evade. These suits have lots of pockets including a sleeve pencil pocket with 4 slots for pens and pencils for flight recording, along with a small zippered pocket. Two chest button closure pockets and 2 more button closure large hand pockets. There are also two side zippered access slots for inner pants pockets. Each leg has two large zippered closure pockets for flight gear and survival items. Coveralls are designed for high altitude flight and are made with a thick liner made from 70% rayon and 30% wool. The outer material is nylon and rayon which helps keep the wearer warm and dry. The collar has a hidden zippered access hood with ties to tighten the hood. The main zippers have leather pulls attached to heavy duty metal Commar zippers with metal teeth all other zippers are also metal Commar zippers. A back button panel allows access for bathroom breaks and attached side button waist adjust tabs ensure a good fit too. The sleeves have button adjustment tabs and the legs have a side zippered adjustment slats for fitting over boots. These well made U.S.A.F. coveralls were designed with everything a pilot or crewman needed to survive in the air or on the ground.

A lovely grouping ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:
Jacket
Medium Regular
Chest: 37 to 41 inches
Height: 76 to 71 inches

Flight Suit: Medium Long