

11th Airborne Division '50 helmets
#1
Posted 12 November 2009 - 07:04 AM
Going throught some 1955 yearbooks from various units of the 11th Airborne , I noticed that the division had some sort of tactical marking scheme for the steel helmet.
Would anyone have any info on this subject? :think:
Best regards,Eric
#2
Posted 12 November 2009 - 07:22 AM
#3
Posted 13 November 2009 - 07:05 AM

#4
Posted 13 November 2009 - 08:06 AM

#6
Posted 13 November 2009 - 04:58 PM
#7
Posted 13 November 2009 - 05:05 PM
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/Korea/187THPIC9.jpg
I know many collectors go ga-ga over W.W.2 506th M2's, but my ultimate find would be a Korean War 187th marked M1C!
Mike, to confirm what you already know, the semi circle seems to be specific to 187th when it was split from 11th A.B. Div. and sent to Korea as a Regimental Combat Team. From what I can see in period pics. it does seem to be that the number of vertical gaps in the semi-circle indicate the Battalion within the Regiment, I'm working on it as solid semi-circle for Regimental H.Q. (and possibly R.H.Q. attached units, see pic. below), then 1, 2 or 3 verticle gaps for the 3 Battalions, I don't have them to hand but I do have pics. somewhere of men with one, two and three vertical gaps in the semi-circle. There seems to be some conflicting evidence whether the markings were in white or yellow, I've been in touch with a few people that know 187th Korean War Vets. and most couldn't remember the markings, but some apparently were definate that the colour was yellow whilst other sources say they were white!?
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/Korea/READYTORIDEPICDATE28THOCT1950.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/Korea/187THPICDATE25THOCT1950.jpg
Edited by jon prince, 13 November 2009 - 05:16 PM.
#9
Posted 13 November 2009 - 05:09 PM
#10
Posted 13 November 2009 - 05:27 PM
Any ideas on these ones? Part of 187th A.R.C.T. in Korea.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/Korea/187THPIC9.jpg
I know many collectors go ga-ga over W.W.2 506th M2's, but my ultimate find would be a Korean War 187th marked M1C!
YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE DUCKIE! there was 1 on e-pay months back and i let it go.
Mike, to confirm what you already know, the semi circle seems to be specific to 187th when it was split from 11th A.B. Div. and sent to Korea as a Regimental Combat Team. From what I can see in period pics. it does seem to be that the number of vertical gaps in the semi-circle indicate the Battalion within the Regiment, I'm working on it as solid semi-circle for Regimental H.Q. (and possibly R.H.Q. attached units, see pic. below), then 1, 2 or 3 verticle gaps for the 3 Battalions, I don't have them to hand but I do have pics. somewhere of men with one, two and three vertical gaps in the semi-circle. There seems to be some conflicting evidence whether the markings were in white or yellow, I've been in touch with a few people that know 187th Korean War Vets. and most couldn't remember the markings, but some apparently were definate that the colour was yellow whilst other sources say they were white!?
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/Korea/READYTORIDEPICDATE28THOCT1950.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/Korea/187THPICDATE25THOCT1950.jpg
#11
Posted 13 November 2009 - 05:30 PM
#12
Posted 13 November 2009 - 05:53 PM
#13
Posted 13 November 2009 - 10:07 PM
Very nice chart for the helmet markings!!!
Jon, you are right for the semi circle marking.It is specific of the 187th Airborne Infantry. I don't know if it was worn before the unit was organised as an A.R.C.T. For what I could find, the "upward arrow" is for the th Airborne Parachute Maintenance Co.
I'll try to post pictures from the yearbooks ASAP.
In the same time frame, the 508th A.R.C.T. also had helemt markings, same style as their WW2 ones (winged feet,etc...)
Eric,
#14
Posted 15 November 2009 - 01:54 AM
I am not sure what unit this is, but this helmet belonged to a veteran who was stationed at Camp Campbell from 1951-52 while the 11thAB was stationed there so I am assuming this is an 11AB marking as well.
I believe the vet also served with the 17th AB during WW2. The chinstraps on the helmet are interesting because they are rigger made straps rather than the standard issue ones.
Edited by VenitHora, 15 November 2009 - 01:56 AM.
#16
Posted 15 November 2009 - 06:24 AM

#20
Posted 15 November 2009 - 09:57 AM
#22
Posted 15 November 2009 - 04:08 PM
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