Helmet, Flying, Type AN6540-2S, United States Marine Corps

Object Details

Physical Description: United States Marine Corps Type Type AN6540-2S Summer flying helmet; khaki cotton helmet; black rubber earphones with chamois padding on the inside of the earphones; cow hide buckle chin strap with chamois chin pad; brown leather chin strap with chin cup; brow flap; cow hide straps with snaps on back of helmet to hold flying goggle strap; Manufacturer's tag with embroidered gold lettering sewn in back inside of helmet.
Summary: This is an example of a standard issue AN-6540-2S flying helmet for the United States military during World War II and the immediate post war period.; This helmet was worn by Lt. Col. Marion Carl. He graduated as a member of the first test pilot class at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in 1945. He conducted pioneering jet operations from aircraft carriers; commanded VMF-122, the first Marine Corps squadron equipped with jets; and was an early Marine helicopter test pilot. He wore this helmet suit during his career as a test pilot, including his world speed record flight with the Douglas D-558-1.