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SOS 2015 - 6th Infantry Div M1917-A1 Kelly Helmet


USMC-RECON0321
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USMC-RECON0321

I'm always looking for any rank or Unit marked "Kelly Helmets". They are very hard to come by and this was the only one I found at the SOS this year.

 

I've seen several period pictures in the past of the 6th INF DIV. with their Kelly helmets sanded smooth, repainted and DI added on the front, but I can't find them. If anyone happens to come across those, please add them to this thread.

 

The heat stamp on this one is; "ZC196", I'm pretty sure this was originally am M1917, refurbished as a M1917A1.

 

This one is named several times inside as follows;

 

1. Floyd W. Johnson, ASN 453509 (I think this is the best chance and looks like it was the last owner of the helmet)

 

2. Lt Crindell (or Crindall), 2nd Lt. 2nd INF. Co F (This is hard to read and etched very small in the leather headband)

 

3. Laundry # F-5107

 

I haven't had a chance to do any research on this one yet. Appreciate any help on the research.

 

post-33000-0-42556000-1425512352.jpg post-33000-0-21121500-1425512358.jpg post-33000-0-29280600-1425512366.jpg post-33000-0-73598900-1425512399.jpg

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I liked this one the moment you handed it to me last week Troy. It's a nice pre-WWII helmet, not too many 17A-1's found with divisional markings and names to boot.

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USMC-RECON0321

Thanks guys.

 

Here is some interesting information found ref: the 2nd Infantry Regt. history with the 6th Inf Div. I found;

 

Post World War I

In August 1922 the 2nd Infantry Regiment was redesignated a combat regiment and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were reorganized using personnel from the 54th Infantry. In March 1923 the regiment was assigned to the 6th Division.

 

Between August 1922 and October 1939 no major changes were made and the 2nd Infantry Regiment and participated in garrison training, maneuvers, field training and other duties.

 

In 1939 prior to World War II, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division.

 

 

 

So maybe the etched in Lt name did have a connection also to the 6th Division. Remember the M1917A1 started in 1936, by first refurbishing the M1917's. which would fit here.

 

 

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USMC-RECON0321

That's a great Kelly! Love the deep green and the ID is icing on the cake. Congrats on a great find.

 

Same here. I love that dark green, with the sanded smooth surface. I know I've seen pics of the 6th in use with the kelly helmet and Insignia on the front, but can't find them for the life of me?? I know there is a 1941 Unit history out for the 6th that may show these if anyone has one.

 

Thanks

Troy

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