WWII Navy Pilot Aviator Summer Flight Helmet Grim Reaper VF-10

Description

WWII Navy Pilot Summer Helmet, belonged to Millard W. Axelrod who was one of the VF-10 Grim Reapers. Helmet is in very good condition. Label is marked AN6540-2S.
Please see my other listings for Axelrod Military items
.
VF-10 was established at
NAS San Diego
flying the
Grumman F4F Wildcat
. The first commanding officer was
James H. Flatley
fresh from the
Battle of the Coral Sea
. The
Grim Reapers
deployed with
USS
Enterprise
to the
Southern Pacific
in October 1942 where they participated in the
Battle of Guadalcanal
. As part of that campaign, the
Grim Reapers
played a pivotal role in defending the
Enterprise
and its task force during the
Battle of Santa Cruz Islands
from 25-27 October 1942. After their return to the U.S. and
NAS Sand Point
they transitioned to the
Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat
and once again deployed to the South Pacific aboard
Enterprise
. During their second combat tour, VF-10 participated in operations in the
Marshall Islands
,
Jaluit
,
Emirau
,
Western Caroline Islands
,
Hollandia
,
Truk Lagoon
and the
Battle of the Philippine Sea
(Marianas Turkey Shoot)
Fighting Squadron 10
VF-10 Insignia
Active
3 June 1942 – 26 November 1945
Country
United States
Branch
US Navy
Type
Fighter Squadron
Nickname(s)
Grim Reapers
Equipment
F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair
Engagements
World War II