U.S.A.A.F. Flying Helmet named to 1st Lt. Talmage L Ambrose

A fine AN-H-15 Summer flying helmet manufactured by the Bates Shoe Co. with a contract number dating it to 1944. Manufactured from beige cotton helmet the size is marked as medium. The cloth is in excellent condition. Shows minor storage soiling and age wear only. AAF labelled. Good strap complete with velvet chin pad protector. The helmet is fully wired with the receivers stamped ANB-H-1 and made by the Rola Company and over stamped SC3339A, both connected to a communication cord marked Headset HS 38. The helmet is fitted with snaps and clips for oxygen mask attachment. Inside the helmet is in excellent issued condition and is complete with a woven AAF label. What lifts this helmet from the good to the exceptional is that stencilled inside is named to the wartime owner Ambrose service number 0767060. Subsequent research confirms the helmet belonged to TALMADGE L. AMBROSE, born in Akron, Ohio. On completion of his training he was posted overseas to European Theatre on Operations and assigned to 373 Fighter Group, 410 Fighter Squadron, joining the unit in Normandy flying the P -47 Thunderbolt. He flew 84 missions, destroying at total 11 enemy aircraft. His kill tally including four FW 190-D's in one afternoon over Hanover, Germany on April 8, 1945, and for this action he was awarded a DSC. In addition he won the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 17 man, Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Pacific Theatre and European Theatre Medals with 5 Battle Stars and Unit Citation Medal. During one operation Ambrose was shot down by 22 mm ground fire over Siegfried Line. Indeed a helmet with history and something rather unique for a serious AAF collection!