MIL-G-635 goggles with gold anti-nuclear flash lens and HGU-26/P with second pair of studs for mounting them.
Press thumbnails for larger pictures. © Bluelight

Message 1614:
Hi Rich and others, Was not aware of that, so that is why a lot of these shells have an extra snap. Any body have a picture of such a setup? Bye HUD

Message 1612:
The strange snap is actually for the G-635 nuclear flash goggles- they are really M-1944 with gold lenses. It is a different size than the snap on the lightweight visor. Rich

Message 1611:
Bingo! That is very likely the answer, as these M-44 type rubber framed goggles with the gold anti-nuclear flash lenses are intended to be fitted exactly as you remarked. Although I have no TO in front of me to prove the contention, I'd almost be willing to bet on this explanation! Good show (and good deductive logic, supplemented by the cited KC-135 crew member reference)! Cheers, DocBoink

Message 1610:
Hello all, I understand the intended use for the second pair of male snaps present on some HGU-2 and 26 helmet shells is for the flash goggles based on the rubber framed M 1944 or similar type that have the gold coated lens. The kit allows them to be snapped to the shell, or used with a small length of rubber strap w/male snaps to form a standard head band. I purchased a helmet from a gentleman who was issued it as a KC-135 crewmember while with SAC in the late 70's that had these extra snaps. Any other thoughts ? Regards, Steve V.

Message 1609:
Hi HUD Not sure. That's possible. I DID wonder what that snap was for. It did come as shown, just rather tatty and bad tape. Cheers DC5

Message 1607:
Hi DC5,
> Just thought I'd pipe in and toss in a couple pics of a helmet (HGU-22
> (26??)) I restored and re-taped. What a not-fun job, but I think it turned
> out OK. Always get extra tape!
Is this a helmet formerly used with some sort of egress or other drill? I have recieved some of these helmet shells that also had the extra snap fastener on the side as yours. I was told these were former drill helmets where an HGU-55/P type visor was attached to. Bye HUD (And yes, nice tape job!!)