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WWI M-1917 78th Infantry Div. Painted & Named Helmet


USMC-RECON0321
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USMC-RECON0321

Just got this one in the mail from Bay State Militaria and happy to add to the collection.

 

If anyone can help ID the possible Vet that would be great. The best I can make out of the painted name inside is either "Schroder" or "Chroder".

 

There is also a word written in pencil inside, maybe a name of a location or post? But I can't make it out (see pic).

 

Sorry, but it looks like I can only attach one picture at a time.

 

Thanks Troy

 

post-33000-0-25691100-1377220529.jpg

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USMC-RECON0321

It looks like the entire shape was painted in white first, then the red painted over top to make the lightning bolt.

 

post-33000-0-29435300-1377220811.jpg

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I know in WWII the 78th had their markings on the front of their helmets. But this is only painted on one side, so my question is, which side was the unit insignia to be worn on and did it matter which way the lighting bolt was pointing (forward / backwards)?

 

Below is a picture of my WWII 78th painted liner.

 

Thanks

Troy

 

post-33000-0-55441700-1377221639.jpg

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I don't have anything close to a complete roster of the 78th Division, but I did find a Pvt. John H. Schroder in the MG Co., 311th Infantry Regiment.

 

It's my guess that the insignia was on the left side of the helmet, since that would show the insignia best when marching at right shouler arms on parade.

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I don't have anything close to a complete roster of the 78th Division, but I did find a Pvt. John H. Schroder in the MG Co., 311th Infantry Regiment.

 

It's my guess that the insignia was on the left side of the helmet, since that would show the insignia best when marching at right shouler arms on parade.

 

I think that is great info and probably a good chance of being the Vet. I wouldn't think it would be that common of a name all in the same unit?

 

Also, I like your theory on the insignia being worn on the left side!

 

Thanks for the input and possible ID info. Were you able to make heads or tails from the penciled word?

 

Troy

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Were you able to make heads or tails from the penciled word?

 

 

 

It looks like a possible service number ending in 407 to me.

 

It also looks like the helmet is a ZG.

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USMC-RECON0321

 

It looks like a possible service number ending in 407 to me.

 

It also looks like the helmet is a ZG.

 

Looks like ZG to me also. What is a good reference for WWI helmet lot numbers / letters etc?

 

Troy

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What is a good reference for WWI helmet lot numbers / letters etc?

 

 

 

There isn't one... yet.

 

ZG is not a common one, though.

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USMC-RECON0321

 

There isn't one... yet.

 

ZG is not a common one, though.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Is that a hint, you are working on one?? ;)

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