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Named KIA ,Early FS-FB M1 helmet w/Hawley liner


6th.MG.BN
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I was looking at a helmet I have and noticed a name written on the Hawley liner. I knew the helmet came from western NY so I began to look for a possible match. The name in the helmet was "Hurley,R,W". One name that I found was also from western NY. It was Sgt.Robert W Hurley.

Sgt. Hurley was with the 357th. Inf., 90th. Inf. Div. and was killed in action on Sept. 7,1944. After I saw this I began to wonder just how common it was to have a KIA soldiers helmet make it back to the states?

The helmet remains in very good condition overall except for a golf ball size dent on the top and coinciding dent to the top of the Hawley liner. Inside the liner webbing and chin strap it looks like blood stains.

Now I'm not saying that this is in fact Sgt. Robert W. Hurleys helmet but merely asking if there known examples of KIA helmets that were sent back to the states?

I know I will probably never know the real owner of the helmet and judging by its condition, it probably never left the states?

I'll post some pictures of it anyway.

Ken

post-20163-0-48390000-1571685289_thumb.jpg

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I think the question that first needs to be asked, is how it was acquired? KIA helmets although rare are out there. But what is the backstory?

 

-Peg6

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And to check if its blood, you can always try a small dap of hydrogen peroxide, even on old blood, on a very small spot, and see the reaction. Asides this you can always try for luminol / and a UV blacklight flashlight. Both can be easily purchased on amazon, again I would recommend a cue tip, and 1 small spot; don't go overboard.

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The overall look doesnt seems like it was used in combat.

Maybe it still belonged to him but I doubt that it was the helmet he wore on his death.

 

Still in nice condition and maybe some research will shed some light!

 

Blueprint

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And to check if its blood, you can always try a small dap of hydrogen peroxide, even on old blood, on a very small spot, and see the reaction. Asides this you can always try for luminol / and a UV blacklight flashlight. Both can be easily purchased on amazon, again I would recommend a cue tip, and 1 small spot; don't go overboard.

I don't mean to mislead anyone as I don't believe there is enough signs of wear for this to have been used shortly after D-day through Sept. I was just trying to tell how I questioned myself about KIA helmets coming back after trying to research the name inside.

You do make good points about testing to see if its blood.

Ken

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The overall look doesnt seems like it was used in combat.

Maybe it still belonged to him but I doubt that it was the helmet he wore on his death.

 

Still in nice condition and maybe some research will shed some light!

 

Blueprint

I agree that condition might be too good for combat use.

Ken

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I have one in my collection although technically my example belonged to a DOW who passed a couple days after he was wounded. I suppose he was taken back to the field hospital and the helmet was returned to his other items, and shipped home with his personal effects after he died since he was an officer.

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I have one in my collection although technically my example belonged to a DOW who passed a couple days after he was wounded. I suppose he was taken back to the field hospital and the helmet was returned to his other items, and shipped home with his personal effects after he died since he was an officer.

I thought there might be more of a chance for an officers helmet to be returned versus an enlisted/ nco.

Ken

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An interesting question. I've had a KIA helmet cover from Vietnam, but never a KIA helmet.

 

Regarding the "combat-worn" condition, we should remember that he may have only been in theatre for a few days or weeks.

 

The helmet being used by him stateside is another great point.

 

Or, perhaps it was an entirely different R.W. Hurley.

 

Regardless, nice helmet!

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I realize condition doesn't dictate if it was or wasn't used in combat. Like mentioned it might be from someone else all together?

Ken

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