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This standard issue Marine Corps leather flying helmet was worn by the donor and Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Joseph Foss. He used this helmet during his training and as a flight instructor at U.S. Naval Air Station Pensacola and on several combat missions in the South Pacific.

Foss is credited as being the first American fighter pilot to equal Eddie Rickenbacker's score with 26 aerial victories. Foss fought the Japanese in the skies over Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands, while flying a Grumman F4F Wildcat. He achieved his record between October 1942 and January 1943.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear Physical Description United States Marine Corps (USMC) three panel brown leather flying cap worn by Maj. Joseph J. Foss; chin strap with chrome steel buckle; suede lining with holes for ears; two buttoned flaps on back to hold strap of flying goggles. Dimensions Clothing (Flat): 40.6 x 26.7 x 5.1cm (16 x 10 1/2 x 2 in.)
 Materials Overall: Leather
 Inventory Number A19761508000 Credit Line Donated by Joseph J. Foss Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.