Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a lovely example of the H-4 flying helmet by the Gentex Corporation. The helmet retains the internal suspension system with front and back leather pads, a rarity in themselves. Included with the H-4 is a lovely 5 medal bar though it was most likely added to display along with the helmet. The helmet is named to Staff Sergeant John “Jack” C. Clower, who served with the 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Wing Support Squadron. We have only been able to find muster reports for Staff Sergeant Clower making this a wonderful research opportunity.

The H-4 features a rigid shell with reinforcing ridges and is constructed of a fiberglass cloth reinforced with epoxy resin. For this model a cloth inner helmet which incorporates the earphones was utilized though is not included with this example. This was secured to the rigid shell by "pull the dot" snap fasteners on the cheek flaps and in some cases with additional straps attached to snap fastener in front and in the back of the rigid shell.

The H-4 was often equipped with a boom mounted microphone M-6A/UR to be used below 10.000 feet. Above this altitude an A-13A or A-14 or MBU-3/P oxygen mask were used. Black rubber goggles B-8 with modified straps to be attached to snaps placed on the sides of the helmet shell below the adjustment webbing. The H-4 was used by USN and USMC pilots in the middle of the 50s into the early 60s, and during this time a multitude of different configurations were used.

The helmet retains its original gold paint with the visible green paint underlay. The front of the helmet has a partial blue Naval Aviator wings decal which was worn by both the US Navy and Marine Corps. The blue size label is still present on the right side of the helmet and states that it is a size medium and was in fact manufactured by the Gentex Corporation.

Included with the helmet are the following:
5 Medal Bar: The medals featured are Distinguished Flying Cross (With Silver Star), Navy and Marine Corps Medal (non-com award), Purple Heart (With Silver Star), Air Medal (With Silver Star) and US Marine Corps Good Conduct (With 4 Stars). None of the medals are named or numbered, making this difficult to identify. We were unable to find any records pertaining to Staff Sergeant Clower’s service or if he even served overseas. Right now our stance is that these were added for display.

Also included are (2) USMC tie bars by Hickok.

A lovely grouping that comes ready for further research and display.