This is a United States M-1 paratrooper helmet from World War II (1939-1945). The helmet features the tactical insignia of the 101st Airborne, 506th Regiment, 2nd Battalion (an article on tactical insignia can be found here). A British-made camouflage netting is fastened to the helmet shell and has several strips of burlap cloth tied into the weave. The helmet also has a standard infantry issue chinstrap attached to a pair of rectangular "fixed" chinstrap loops. The helmet shell was produced between 1942 and mid-1943 by the McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company.¹ Coupled with the helmet shell is a modified parachutist liner manufactured by the Mine Safety Appliances Company, or MSA. The liner also features the spade tactical insignia, and the inverted "A" frame chinstrap system is clearly visible in the interior.

Provenance

This helmet was previously owned by Robert Hoffman, a collector of WWII 101st airborne helmets and close friend of Major Dick Winters. Hoffman's collection of 506th PIR 101st Airborne helmets was used by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg to depict the spade insignia used in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. The Wilson History & Research Center acquired the helmet is June 2010 directly from Mr. Hoffman.

Country: United States	War Period: World War II
Garment Type: Infantry Helmet	Year Made: 1942
Manufacturer: McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company
Identification: USH-400-0610