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Thoughts on 327th Vietnam Helmet


NBusk
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/VIETNAM-ERA-327TH-AIRBORNE-HELMET-LINER-M11141/382587483021?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3D7ff8aa2703c743bdaf6a63bcc66469d7%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D132817767687%26itm%3D382587483021&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A5e0331d5-ceff-11e8-85ad-74dbd180c015%7Cparentrq%3A6e1cf0ad1660aa469d30083bffff5f33%7Ciid%3A1

 

I saw this helmet pop up on eBay a few days ago. The cover looks like it is original to the helmet and I can see where it looks like, in addition to drawing the 327th club on the sides, somebody traced a partial outline of the camo pattern.

The only thing that stands out to me is the fact that I haven't ever seen or been able to find photos of the 327th in Vietnam with similar markings on their helmets. Additionally, the reflective pieces attached to the rear of the helmet strike me as a post-VN thing. Any thoughts and opinions on the helmet are welcome.

 

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Cap Camouflage Pattern I

I like it, if I had money right now I'd bid. Keep in mind that helmet unit marking in Vietnam were never a universal thing. Even as small as squad level some men marked their unit insignia on their helmet covers, some didn't. So just because you can't find pictures, doesn't mean it didn't happen on a small level.

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I like it, if I had money right now I'd bid. Keep in mind that helmet unit marking in Vietnam were never a universal thing. Even as small as squad level some men marked their unit insignia on their helmet covers, some didn't. So just because you can't find pictures, doesn't mean it didn't happen on a small level.

 

Good info. I've found examples of 327th marked helmets in collections, but nothing in period photographs so far. I'm still on the lookout though.

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Cap Camouflage Pattern I

I am looking for photos too, let me know if you find any. I really like unit marked vietnam helmets, a surprisingly large number of units had unit markings to some level, including the 187th IR.

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Pretty neat example, I like the tac marks, where do you think it was used?

 

As this example is 1973 the war was ending for the US but continued for the people of Vietnam till 75.

While I believe there where some US forces still fighting in Vietnam it would be impossible to say exactly where this one was used.

The insignia is period and the camo has tons of correct wear and tear for a field used piece.

 

Thanks for the kind comments Justin I like it too.

 

- Dean

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Just for comparison, here's an original 327th Helmet that was brought back by the vet. The helmet was worn by Sgt. Lloyd "Angel" King of B. Co. 2/327th Inf. 101st ABN. during his service.

During a firefight in 1969, the helmet was hit in the front, traveled around the shell between the liner and exited from the helmet's rear.

 

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I think the helmet shown above stands a chance at being real, but not as an untouched piece.

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Cap Camouflage Pattern I

Great helmet AnDuc!

 

I think it is totally possible the soldier who wore it replaced the sweatband later on in it's life. Or maybe a collector did it. Who knows.

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I just picked this helmet up and it appears to be solid and even has a name at the top liner tag with what looks like a social security number.

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I just picked this helmet up and it appears to be solid and even has a name at the top liner tag with what looks like a social security number.

Glad you got it and good luck on looking into the wearer

 

Yours

Dean

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I seen it when it first made it to the shop but it had already been chosen to be posted on on eBay. When I’m off work I’ll post some pictures and I hope the name will be easy to find

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Im leaning towards a early 70s design. Then again Im not that familiar with helmet liner markings . The sweat band is a used 1974 and the liner will be hard to read until I get a red Light to make the faded markings stand out. The name is Lester Rhoden and if I got the social security number decoded right he is out of Kentucky and the social was given in 1968 then again it could be wrong without a red light. I havent researched the name yet. Im very hesitant to take the helmet cover off to see if there are any other markings on the helmet. A trip to the hardware store for a red light will probably happen tonight so I can date the liner.

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