{"product_id":"rare-60s-vietnam-war-us-army-aph-5-flight-helmet-patched-carrying-bag","title":"Rare 60s Vietnam War US Army APH-5 Flight Helmet \u0026 Patched Carrying Bag","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal U.S. Military issue\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCirca 1960s - Vietnam War\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional original Vietnam War US Army APH-5 helicopter flight helmet, complete with its original padded carrying bag, extensively decorated with period Vietnamese and US-made aviation insignia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe APH-5 was introduced during the late 1950s, initially developed for US Naval aviation before being adopted by US Army helicopter crews. The helmet saw extensive service throughout the Vietnam War, particularly during the early years of American involvement, when the rapid expansion of helicopter-borne operations placed increasing demands on aircrew equipment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example retains its period-applied white and black paint, with a red central stripe, and the hand-painted names 'STEVE' across the front and 'RON' to the rear. Complete with its original clear visor, earphones, padded leather interior and webbing chinstrap assembly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanying the helmet is an original US Navy BUWEPS flight helmet carrying bag, constructed from olive green nylon with a padded interior, carrying handles and heavy-duty zip fastening. The original manufacturer's label remains intact, bearing specification MIL-C-19666A (WEP) and contract DSA-1-3944-64-E.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOf particular interest is the extensive collection of period embroidered insignia applied to the exterior of the bag, including several distinctive Vietnamese-made aviation unit patches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese include insignia representing the 28th Signal Detachment (Avionics), 114th Assault Helicopter Company 'Knights of the Air', 502nd Aviation Battalion 'Outlaws', 221st Aviation Company 'Shotguns', and an early, very rare 175th Assault Helicopter Company 'Maverick' patch, alongside a beautiful hand-embroidered 'Saigon Vietnam 65-66 souvenir patch, and a standard US-made MACV shoulder patch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral of the represented units served under the US Army's 13th Aviation Battalion, which operated extensively throughout the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. The 28th Signal Detachment provided specialist avionics and communications maintenance support to Army aviation units, while the 114th Assault Helicopter Company and 502nd Aviation Battalion participated in helicopter transport and combat support operations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bag also features an unusual hand-embroidered 'DECCA' name tape. This possibly refers to the British-developed Decca Navigator radio-navigation system, employed by US Army helicopters in Vietnam during the 1960s to assist navigation during low-level flying and operations in reduced visibility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe underside of the bag is additionally hand-named 'W. Wiley SP\/4', indicating an association with a US Army Specialist Fourth Class. The relationship between this name, the helmet's personal markings and the various unit insignia remains unconfirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth pieces remain in good original, service-worn condition, with an attractive patina throughout. The helmet retains its original interior fittings, visor and chinstrap, showing wear consistent with age and use. The carrying bag exhibits general fading, marks and handling wear, with its richly embroidered insignia remaining particularly vibrant and well preserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA superb and highly characterful Vietnam War aviation grouping, featuring an exceptionally interesting selection of period theatre-made insignia and personal markings. An outstanding display piece for the advanced US Army aviation and Vietnam War collector.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUK orders including this product must include\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Delivery 1PM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eshipping. International orders including this product must include\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDHL Express\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eshipping. Please select one of these options during checkout. Refer to our Shipping Policy for further information:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/omegamilitaria.com\/policies\/shipping-policy\" class=\"text-link\"\u003ehttps:\/\/omegamilitaria.com\/policies\/shipping-policy\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Omega Militaria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57695376966005,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0586\/1539\/8563\/files\/071026-16875_a1fc5f6c-7d99-424d-85a6-271b3673dcc3.jpg?v=1793036719","url":"https:\/\/omegamilitaria.com\/products\/rare-60s-vietnam-war-us-army-aph-5-flight-helmet-patched-carrying-bag","provider":"Omega Militaria","version":"1.0","type":"link"}