87th Infantry Division, 346th Inf Regt. Co I. Helmet set

[USMC-RECON0321]

Picked up this nice named and ID'd Helmet set of Kenneth R. Lewis, ASN-33942817 of the 87^th Infantry Div. 346^th Inf Regt. Co I. Just starting the research and I'm sending in to see if I'll have any luck of his records surviving the fire.

 

Kenneth was a late war replacement, enlisting early October, 1944 from Bradford Pennsylvania. But by the condition of the suspension inside the liner, he definately spent his time in the field.

 

You can see his full name and service number painted inside the liner and shell. The shell has been painted over at least once and what I find interesting is you can see faint 3rd ID markings under the paint on the sides of the shell. Maybe being a replacement this was a re-painted & re-issue once in country? But why paint over his name. Could have been a unit clean up of shells for post war ceremonies or parades, would be my only guess?

 

Thanks
Troy

 

 

[USMC-RECON0321]

 

[USMC-RECON0321]

 

[USMC-RECON0321]

 

 

[1canpara]

Really nice one Troy! You're on another roll!

 

Rick

[USMC-RECON0321]

Really nice one Troy! You're on another roll!

 

Rick

 

Thanks Rick. The flash throws the color off a bit, but you get the point.

 

I also picked up a named and ID'd 87th Holster with artwork from a fellow forum member (Not related to this 87th soldier, but display nice together).

 

Alfred M. Leonard ASN 31453809 (Haven't ID'd his specific unit in the 87th yet.

 

 

[Sparty On]

Nice, well used liner!

 

Your 87th riker mount display would look good with this too.

[sgtdorango]

Great helmet set but man i love that acorn holster!!.....mike

[jkash23686]

Beautiful set Troy you have been grabbing some nice gear lately!

-j

[USMC-RECON0321]

Nice, well used liner!

 

Your 87th riker mount display would look good with this too.

 

Good idea. That is a great pile of original early 87th paperwork.

 

 

Great helmet set but man i love that acorn holster!!.....mike

 

Yes I agree, he obviously had some art skills. Love how he did his initials also.

 

Beautiful set Troy you have been grabbing some nice gear lately!

-j

 

Thanks. Yes been doing some selling to add these upgrades. Out with the old and in with the new is always fun.

 

Troy

[1966ww2collector]

Thanks to Troy, this liner and helmet are now in my collection. I have a theory on the mix of 87th liner and the 3rd insignia on the helmet.

Kenneth R. Lewis was drafted / enlisted October 4, 1944.

He would have entered the ETO later in 1945.

He is listed in the 87th yearbook as being present at the time of inactivation.

Most of the 87th / 346th shipped out July 9, 1945 from Le Harve.

They were inactivated September 21, 1945.

Lewis would not have had enough points to leave and would have been left to occupy.

If the 87th was gone, he could have been transferred to the 3rd, hence the insignia on the helmet.

He would have left the liner alone and would have added the 3rd insignia to his issued helmet.

Then, at some time after being discharged, he painted the helmet back to green because his allegiance was to the 87th not the 3rd.

What I am trying to find out is how long the 3rd stayed in Europe on occupation duties.

I removed the paint from the 3rd insignia only.