TYPE C (EARLY) USAAF 352th FG Col James D. Mayden P-51D MUSTANG
Early Type C flight helmet with B-8 goggles and A-14 oxygen mask.
This helmet is named for Col Mayden. If you check WW2 era photos you will see many WW2 USAAF pilots using British manufactured flight helmets like this early type C leather flight helmet with US ANB-H-1 receivers taped with black tape. This helmet arrived with B-8 Aviation Goggles and A-14 3/44 dated oxygen mask. The helmet is AM marked and is size 4 so Mayden had a big head as size 4 is the largest helmet size. The oxygen mask clip on the right side is screwed so it does not come off easily.
Interior view. Manufacturer's label is still there.
Col Mayden's name is wroten inside the helmet. Col James D. Mayden was 352nd Fighter Group CO from 16 November 1944 to September 1945. Before this he was acting CO 24 July 1944 to 1 September 1944. He flew with P-51D named " Straw Boss 2" ( PE-X ) in 328th FS, 352nd FG. Col Mayden got kills 2.11.1944 and 7.4.1945.
Here you can find a lot nice WW2 photos pilots wearing flight helmets like this: http://www.web-birds.com/8th/352/352.html
USAAF P-51 ACES
Familiar photo of 357th FG "Yoxford Boys" P-51D aces ( from left ) Richard A. "Pete" / "Bud" Peterson ( 15 1/2 kills ), Leonard K. "Kit" Carson ( 18 1/2 ), John B. England ( 17 1/2 ) and Clarence E. " Bud " Andersson ( 16 1/4 ). Three pilots have Swedish style surnames! These "Yoxford Boys" use British manufactured late WW2 era C-type flight helmets with British Mk.VIII gogless. All but "Bud" Peterson's USAAF used earphones are taped with black tape. Ogygen masks are USAAF A-14s. B-4 flight vests ( "Mae Wests" ) and USAAF A-2 leather flight jackets with rank markings sewed on. Looks like "Bud" Peterson is talking about last night London visit...., while other have so fun? This photo is sold commonly with these pilots signatures, I have my own photo with both "Buds" signatures! "Pete"/"Bud" Peterson's WW2 era P-51 "Old Crow" is a familiar sight in European Air Shows like here in Finland! Check my aviation display photos to see his mount at Lappeenranta 1995 Air Show! Famous test pilot "Chuck" Yeager flew also with 357th FG! You can check more about "Bud" Anderson and his P-51s " Old Crow " from here: http://www.cebudanderson.com/ " Can't talk now...Gotta shoot! ".
352nd FG Ace Pilot video ....
USAAF P-51 Mustangs & Type C Flight Helmets
"Princess Elisabeth" taxiing at La Ferte-Alais 2006. It was last season to see this bird in Europe.
P-51D Mustang "Ferocious Frankie" at Flying Legends 2006. Later USAAF pilots did got more USA manufactured flight gear like USAAF A-11 helmets.
Mustang pair taking off during Flying Legends 2006.
Little friends P-51D Mustang reenactor pilots with A-11 flight helmets during Flying Legends 2006.
P-51D pilots wearing USAAF A-11 flight helmets with A-14 masks during Flying Legends 2006. "Taste of the canteen".
Flying Legends 2006 Mustangs video HERE !