Helmet mounted lighting apparatus and method of manufacture. May utilize LED light source and battery power unit designed for mounting for example on a fire fighting helmet. May couple with helmet or to an ornamental leather shield typically mounted on the front of a fire fighting helmet. Enables enhanced visual field at night for benefit of the user. Apparatus is made of material suitable for the harsh conditions encountered by fire suppression and emergency personnel and is mounted in such a fashion as to not conflict with the typical physical features of the helmet or shield. The apparatus includes at least one lamp provided at a front side of the casing, a switch part provided remote to or in one side of the casing, a battery or series of batteries provided remotely or in the interior of the casing and optional time-out, power level adjustment, voltage and/or current control circuitry. May be secured using any method.