Beacon

Object number2019.16.6

MediumPlastic; Glass; Nylon;

Credit LineGift of Richard Narushoff

DescriptionOrange distress light marker with olive green nylon case.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (Overall, in pouch): 6.75 × 4.125 × 1.375 in. (17.1 × 10.5 × 3.5 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (Beacon): 4.688 × 2.5 × 1.125 in. (11.9 × 6.4 × 2.9 cm)
Length (Nylon string between pouch and marker): 39 in. (99.1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (Pouch, empty): 6.75 × 4 × 1.25 in. (17.1 × 10.2 × 3.2 cm)
InscriptionsEmbossed on front: "US".
Marks"[MODEL No. / FED SDU-5 / E] [SERIAL No. / 007667] / TYPE LIGHT MARKER, DISTRESS / CONT. No. DLA-400-83-F-2405 / NSN 6230-00-067-5209 / FED OF HANDICAPPED, N.Y. 10011 / U.S."
Historical NotesA collection of items that document Richard Narushoff’s time in Vietnam as a bombardier/navigator including Vietnam era boots and flight suit similar to the one worn during the Vietnam War, a helmet with oxygen mask worn on board the B-52 bomber, flashlight and distress beacon used on the B-52 bomber, low-level navigation map used on the B-52 bomber, an shirt embroidered on base in Thailand, and Vietnam era fatigue pants, button down tops, and t-shirt. Turtle Creek native, Richard Narushoff, joined the Air Force after completing the ROTC program at Duquesne University in 1967. He went to Vietnam as a B-52 bomber navigator in 1969 as part of the Arc Light Program. The B-52, a long-range bomber, could carry 70,000 pounds of bombs and nuclear weapons. Part of Operation Arc Light, B-52 pilots flew missions over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia out of bases in Thailand, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines. After two tours in Vietnam he joined the Air Force Reserves in order to not have to keep doing tours, he was part of the reserves from 1973 to 1976. In 1976 he joined the PA Air National Guard until 1995.

Subjects

Terms