Description

USM1 fixed bale front seam identified 2nd lieutenant helmet of the 4th Infantry Division killed in action with battle damage. The helmet was recovered from a farmhouse in Mont-Robin near Montabot, Manche, Normandy, France. It is named and identified to 2nd lieutenant James Reed McCroy Company E of the 2 Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. The helmet retains its original issued camouflage net. Although broken and combat used it is still present. The helmets exterior is in its original state. Dusty, dirty and has a salty look. The paint on the exterior is mostly present. The 2nd lieutenant yellow bar and ETO bar are barely visible underneath the paint. A shrapnel entrance hole is located on the back of the helmet. The helmet retains its original web straps with early hardware but show oxidation. The shell is stamped on the interior with the owners full name and serial number « O1314518 ». The net has a white string applied by the former collector to keep it in place. The liner is matching and original to the helmet. Manufactured by « Westinghouse ». Retains almost all of its factory applied paint. The yellow 2nd lieutenant bar is on the front and period painted. Rust is present and matching the helmet shell. The entrance and damaged caused by the shrapnel is present. The interior of the liner is as one would accept to find on a genuine killed in action helmet. Sweatband and chinstrap are partial present. Blood, dirt and debris are present. The helmet in a few words serves as a real and vivid reminder of the war and ultimate sacrifice of this man. James R. McCroy was born in California, Pennsylvania, USA. He was killed during the breakthrough battle at St. Lo, France on August 1st 1944. He is buried in full military honors in Pennsylvania's Highland Cemetery. An extremely rare example of an untouched 4th Infantry Division helmet from D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Historic Offering.