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.