Genuine US Military issue
Includes an original matching bag, a NOS seldom-seen anti-glare outsert, and anti-dim cloth.
Dated 1969
The M24 Aviator Gas Mask was standard issue for U.S. Army helicopter crews during Vietnam. Designed specifically for use in aircraft, it provided protection against airborne irritants, chemical agents, and tear gas encountered during reconnaissance, defoliation, and combat support missions. Aviators frequently relied on the M24 during operations involving CS gas grenades used to flush enemy forces from dense jungle cover. Helicopter crews would fly at extremely low altitude when deploying CS gas, using the downward rotor wash to force the chemical deeper into the dense jungle canopy. This technique was intended to flush out concealed enemy positions by driving the gas through thick vegetation.
The M24 was also worn during defoliation missions in which U.S. Air Force C-123 Provider aircraft sprayed herbicides such as Agent Orange. Helicopter crews flying close escort or gun cover for these aircraft often found themselves flying through the drifting chemical mist or residual spray.
The mask features a built-in microphone jack for radio communication, though in practice, it was difficult to use beneath flight helmets and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. Many crews described the challenge of keeping the aircraft ventilated after exposure, with chemical residue coating flight suits, skin, and equipment.
Excellent condition with minor wear, as seen
Size medium
Other gas masks and accessories are available separately
