Original Group. One-of-a-Kind. The 56th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, known as the "Flying Ambulance," played a vital role in the Vietnam War by providing rapid and efficient aeromedical evacuation services. Utilizing aircraft like the C-9A Nightingale, C-130 Hercules, and C-141 Starlifter, the squadron transported wounded soldiers from the battlefield to medical facilities, significantly improving their chances of survival and recovery. Despite facing numerous challenges and risks, the 56th AES demonstrated exceptional skill, bravery, and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy on aeromedical evacuation practices and military medicine.

This is a great flight jacket & helmet grouping to Captain M.A. Best of the 56th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 10th Aeromedical Evacuation Group, Military Airlift Command, who served with the unit during the Vietnam War. The group consists of his patched flight jacket & APH-5 Helmet in its original carrying bag.

The APH-5 helmet was the result of more than two years studies conducted 1954-56 for a successor to the H-3 and H-4 series of helmets. VX-3 at NAS Atlantic City, the Aero Medical Branch of Service Test Division at NATC Patuxent River, Air Crew Equipment Laboratory, Naval Air Materiel Center, Philadelphia, and AirLant and AirPac Fleet units were among those who cooperated with the Airborne Equipment Division of BuAer in testing the gear. The studies and helmet development work concluded with the MSA-N2 design, an immediate predecessor of the APH-5, being manufactured in very limited quantity. Another contract initiated work on individually fitted (custom fit) helmets, designated the BBC and BBC-X2.

This example is heavily worn, having seen service in the Vietnam War. There is a tag on the interior reading:

S/N: 8415-577-4143
SIZE: LARGE
CONTRACT: N383-66584A
GENTEX CORPORATION

The visor is retained and works properly, and there is even a spare visor and cover in the bag which is the bronze-colored variant with NAVY and wings on it. The microphone has broken off of the helmet and it is in rough shape overall. The bag is in good shape and has a very worn tag on the interior.

The jacket is in great shape with plastic-covered Captain ranks on the shoulder boards, with the patches of the  56th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 10th Aeromedical Evacuation Group, and Military Airlift Command on his shoulders and breast. His nametag, with Medical pilot’s wings, reads M.A. BEST. Condition is great overall.

This is a very nice group, ready for further research and display.