Ensign Case flew Grumman 6F6 “Hellcats”off the Carrier USS San Jacinto during WWII; And served with shipmate & fellow pilot, Lt. George H.W. Bush.
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Description
M1 fixed bale helmet belonging to Ensign E.A. Case – VF-49. M1 -front seam helmet painted dark blue gray, as well as the original liner. On the front are Case’s (from top to bottom) unit “VF-49 / E. Case / and ensign rank.” There is an unpainted panel that Ensign Case painted his name on, that either was left unpainted for his name, or perhaps the removal of tape that had the name of another person. The white paint used is most definitely original period done.
The painted surface of the helmet shows wear with areas of chipped paint from either wear or storage. Long areas on the side of rubbing is due to stacking helmets. Helmet liner and steel pot chin straps show wear, and there is no sweatband.
Ensign Case was assigned to Air Group VF- 49 serving on board the U.S.S. San Jacinto CVI-30, a WWII built “jeep carrier,” launched on 26 September, 1843. Ensign Case flew the Grumman F6F “Hellcat” fighter from the carrier from August of 1944 to August 1945. He saw combat during the Battle of Okinawa, and participated in raids on Japan toward the close of the war.
A fellow shipmate from VT-51, one of the three air groups on San Jacinto (also VF-45), was future President George W. Bush.
On board any USN vessel during combat operations, helmets were issued and worn. Obviously, a helmet worn on ship only.
A nice historical association with a U.S. President, and a seldom seen M1 helmet identified to a Navy Fighter Pilot.
Additional information
| Weight | 4 lbs |
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