Armored Flying Helmet

Description

This leather, armor-plated helmet was worn by Lt. Anthony A. Isabella , a B-17 pilot assigned to the 305th Bombardment Group, 364th Bombardment Squadron in England during WWII.

While returning from a bombing mission in Germany, enemy fighter aircraft damaged his B-17, “Leading Lady.” Although injured, Lt. Isabella managed to pull his aircraft out of a steep dive and fly back to England. Nine of the eleven crew members survived.

His severe injuries required 14 months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, but Lt. Isabella’s armored helmet, now with shrapnel damage, prevented an even worse outcome.

Filed In:
Era: World War II
Personal Equipment & Helmets: Flying Helmet
Accession #:
1990-3242-0088
Museum Location:
Not on display
Questions?

Question about this artifact? Email the Collections Manager, Hal Sellars.

We cannot assist with appraisals nor researching where to purchase items/artifacts.

Disclaimer

Every artifact in the Air Mobility Command Museum, including this one, is part of the United States Air Force Heritage Program. We are not able to loan or sell artifacts in the museum's collection.

Comments
Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments