Custom Marine Flight Helmet of Al Bauman

Name/Title

Custom Marine Flight Helmet of Al Bauman

Description

A green, US Marine aviator flight helmet made by Dunrite Tool and Die Corporation. The green paint is embedded with gold flakes and has a gold image of Hägar the Horrible on the back. The attached chin strap is polyester with a small, black leather piece of leather for padding and the chin strap secures next to the attached, black radio cord. The clear visor is bolted and secured to the helmet itself and retains its detachable protective green fabric cover. The inside of the helmet is lined in padded black leather and is custom formed.

Use

This custom-made helmet was the product of a US military contract testing new technology in flight gear. Meant for protection and communication in flight, the custom-fit helmet was created using a mold of Al Bauman's head.

Context

Albert Bauman served in the Marine Corps for nine years as an attack aviation pilot with one combat tour in Vietnam flying A-4 Skyhawks in South Vietnam. Bauman was part of the Marine detachment on the USS Hornet. He would later flying training missions off the USS Lexington as a trainer and Navy LSO.

Collection

Al Bauman Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2024.29

Source or Donor

Albert E. "Al" Bauman III

Acquisition Method

Donation

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Dunrite Tool & Die Corporation

Date made

circa 1975

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Location

On both radio attachment sites

Transcription

60C4459 DUNRITE TOOL & DIE CORP

Language

English

Material/Technique

Label

Update Date

September 17, 2024