Hood, Flying, Winter, United States Army Air Service

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Hood, Flying, Winter, United States Army Air Service

Gray knit wool flying hood for United States Army Air Service (USAAS) aviators; balaklava-style shape with front and back flaps extending down to offer some neck coverage. Small wear and tear holes visible on front, sides, and back. Small label on right side, with red text on white, reads:

FROM NEW YORK

COUNTY CHARTER

AMERICAN RED CROSS

This hood was knitted by the women of the New York Chapter of the American Cross. These knitted helmets were worn under the regular leather flying helmet to provide extra protection from the cold. The American Red Cross sent these hoods to pilots of the American Expeditionary Force in personal gift packages.

American Red Cross

Smithsonian Institution

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