Description

An exceptional USM1 fixed bale front seam identified 1st Infantry Division helmet. This helmet from the famous 1st Infantry Division « BIG RED ONE » was found last year in 2019 from a second-hand or junk dealer in the emptying of an old house in the Malmedy area in the « Belgian Ardennes ». The helmet remains and is in its original as-found and undisturbed condition. The front of the helmet retains a coat of camouflage paint or anti-gas detection paint prior to the division emblem being hand painted over it. In the super detailed photos below you can see that the « 1 » in the emblem has been painted twice with the brighter red below the second coat of darker red color to minimize visibility. The shell retain its original factory web straps with partial brass hardware intact. The male section is absent and attached with a piece of natural cord. The helmet retains a visible and period « ETO FOLLOW ME » horizontal stripe on the back of the shell. Three small areas of shrapnel damage are present on the shell as well - with one slightly penetrating through/cracking the shell. The interior of the shell features a rather interesting yellowfins chemical detection paint on the dome. This would serve as a method to identify if water is drinkable for example. A nice fingerprint is present on the perimeter. The shell is named to two individual soldiers and at one point the owners of the helmet. First named to a « Sgt Ira Miller » is written in pencil and referring  to « Sergeant Ira E. Miller, serial number 35011889 ». And the second name and possibly the first original owner of the helmet to « Sgt Benson 7005004 » which is etched on the metal in reference to « Sergeant Carroll P. Benson, serial number 7005004 ». Both seasoned men belonged to « Headquarters Company of the 26th Infantry Regiment » of the 1st infantry division « BIG RED ONE » and both are listed on the pre D-Day regimental roster. The helmet was either recovered from Benson to Miller either willingly or unfortunately. According to save and published documents still surveying today both these men landed on Omaha Beach June 6, 1944 « D-DAY » before participating in the Liberation campaign of Belgium and ultimately the Battle of the Bulge « WACHT AM RHEIN ». The helmets liner is manufactured by « Firestone ». It features the same divisional emblem with the same exact details of application as the exterior. This included the use main of chemical detection paint applied before the emblem was painted on. The regimental or tactical markings that would have been in place on the wear left are also painted in yellow paint and have been period removed. The non commissioned officers « ETO FOLLOW ME » horizontal bar is painted in white paint on the back and has a name or a nickname written in pencil and a drawing on each side. The interior liners web suspension system is complete and in untouched and undisturbed condition. It has never been dusted or clean with only neck strap absent. Early adjustable wire sweat band is well lived in and named to « IRA ». Leather chinstrap is original the helmet and complete with dryness. Another interesting detail is a little ribbon in the colors of the Belgian flag that is still attached to the drawstring of the liner. Trully a magnificent named, and identified helmet set to one of the most prestigious US infantry divisions to serve in the Second World War.