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M1 Maj Harold T. Kahl, Gen Surgeon 93rd Gen Hosp, LST 289


jasonm
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I recently purchased this rusty M1 along with a German helmet for a very reasonable price. I could see a name on the sweatband from the listing photos so bought it hoping for a positive identification. I was surprised to find the owners name & ASN when it arrived. So I cleaned up the helmet and found scratched on the interior of the shell Maj HT Kahl USS LST 289. Here are the before and after pics:

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Records were ordered as Maj Kahl's history came to light. Major Kahl was born 11/24/1901 and was a practicing Physician when reporting for active duty in Augst of '42. In Feb of '43 Kahl had a fall that resulted in serious neck and shoulder injuries revering for 8 weeks. He was placed on active duty at the 93rd General Hospital. He was then sent to be the General Surgeon on LST Hospital Ship 289 (Utah Beach, San Malo, San Michele and Brest) evacuating casualties from France, when that summer his landing craft from LST 289 struck another ship resulting in more injuries to his head, neck and back.

 

Finally, his records show in Sept of '44 while in a convoy of ambulances bringing prisoners and casualties to LST 289, Maj Kahl was caught in a shelling "this side of Brest" that resulted in hearing loss in one ear. These combined injuries resulted Major Kahl's retirement in July of '46 at Walter Reed.

 

Sadly, Major Kahl passed away November 6, 1963.

 

Here is his helmet after some restoration and a portion of his records.

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I meant to comment when this helmet first appeared. I believe it is as most people do help put a face/name to history. You get a fine job in your research.

Marty

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Thank you for the comments. Happy to have in my collection. Still looking for a photo of Maj Kahl to complete the research.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 year later...

Jason, I came across your post and was like wow, that's my grandfather! My name is Jim Kahl and my father Dr. James B Kahl was Dr. HTK Son (From Johnstown PA) Unfortunately I never got to meet him as he died a few years before I was born but heard many great stories about him. Anyway I wanted to share some pictures of him that I have from my dads photobox. I remember playing with this helmet at our house when I was young. How / where did you acquire it? I would love to know how it found its way to you or where you purchased it.very cool.

 

I have about 10 photos of him (Dr HTK) I would love to share with you during his tour of duty in Germany for you to add to this post. Please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to email you the other pictures for you to share. Thanks for keeping his spirit alive! Thanks Jim Kahl

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Thank you for reaching out and providing photos of Major Kahl. I am still stunned to see his photograph. Please check your inbox. jason

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