Name/Title
World War II Naval Aviators' Life Vest of Gerald HennesyDescription
A yellow, inflatable life preserver (personal flotation device) designed for and used by naval pilots. The vest has attached Shark Chaser repellant, signal whistle, CO2 canisters, and dye pack.Use
A flotation device in the form of a vest or suit is worn by a user to prevent the wearer from drowning in a body of water. This life vest was assigned to and worn by US Navy pilot, Gerald Hennesy, aboard the USS Yorktown.Context
As a F4U Corsair fighter-bomber pilot in the Pacific, Gerald Hennesy flew almost 100 missions off the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10). He received the Air Medal for downing an enemy aircraft during a rescue mission for one of his fellow pilots.Collection
Gerald Hennesy CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2022.0014Source or Donor
Theresa HennesyAcquisition Method
DonationLabel/Inscription/Signature
Type
InscriptionLocation
Back and side strapTranscription
G.C. HennesyUpdate Date
April 23, 2025
