6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Share #1 Posted October 21, 2019 I was looking at a helmet I have and noticed a name written on the Hawley liner. I knew the helmet came from western NY so I began to look for a possible match. The name in the helmet was "Hurley,R,W". One name that I found was also from western NY. It was Sgt.Robert W Hurley. Sgt. Hurley was with the 357th. Inf., 90th. Inf. Div. and was killed in action on Sept. 7,1944. After I saw this I began to wonder just how common it was to have a KIA soldiers helmet make it back to the states? The helmet remains in very good condition overall except for a golf ball size dent on the top and coinciding dent to the top of the Hawley liner. Inside the liner webbing and chin strap it looks like blood stains. Now I'm not saying that this is in fact Sgt. Robert W. Hurleys helmet but merely asking if there known examples of KIA helmets that were sent back to the states? I know I will probably never know the real owner of the helmet and judging by its condition, it probably never left the states? I'll post some pictures of it anyway. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #2 Posted October 21, 2019 dent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #3 Posted October 21, 2019 name on liner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #4 Posted October 21, 2019 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #5 Posted October 21, 2019 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #6 Posted October 21, 2019 dent to liner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #7 Posted October 21, 2019 another Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus6 Posted October 21, 2019 Share #8 Posted October 21, 2019 I think the question that first needs to be asked, is how it was acquired? KIA helmets although rare are out there. But what is the backstory? -Peg6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus6 Posted October 21, 2019 Share #9 Posted October 21, 2019 And to check if its blood, you can always try a small dap of hydrogen peroxide, even on old blood, on a very small spot, and see the reaction. Asides this you can always try for luminol / and a UV blacklight flashlight. Both can be easily purchased on amazon, again I would recommend a cue tip, and 1 small spot; don't go overboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueprint Posted October 21, 2019 Share #10 Posted October 21, 2019 The overall look doesnt seems like it was used in combat. Maybe it still belonged to him but I doubt that it was the helmet he wore on his death. Still in nice condition and maybe some research will shed some light! Blueprint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #11 Posted October 21, 2019 And to check if its blood, you can always try a small dap of hydrogen peroxide, even on old blood, on a very small spot, and see the reaction. Asides this you can always try for luminol / and a UV blacklight flashlight. Both can be easily purchased on amazon, again I would recommend a cue tip, and 1 small spot; don't go overboard.I don't mean to mislead anyone as I don't believe there is enough signs of wear for this to have been used shortly after D-day through Sept. I was just trying to tell how I questioned myself about KIA helmets coming back after trying to research the name inside. You do make good points about testing to see if its blood. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share #12 Posted October 21, 2019 The overall look doesnt seems like it was used in combat. Maybe it still belonged to him but I doubt that it was the helmet he wore on his death. Still in nice condition and maybe some research will shed some light! Blueprint I agree that condition might be too good for combat use. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jguy1986 Posted October 21, 2019 Share #13 Posted October 21, 2019 I have one in my collection although technically my example belonged to a DOW who passed a couple days after he was wounded. I suppose he was taken back to the field hospital and the helmet was returned to his other items, and shipped home with his personal effects after he died since he was an officer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 22, 2019 Author Share #14 Posted October 22, 2019 I have one in my collection although technically my example belonged to a DOW who passed a couple days after he was wounded. I suppose he was taken back to the field hospital and the helmet was returned to his other items, and shipped home with his personal effects after he died since he was an officer.I thought there might be more of a chance for an officers helmet to be returned versus an enlisted/ nco. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthewsq Posted October 22, 2019 Share #15 Posted October 22, 2019 An interesting question. I've had a KIA helmet cover from Vietnam, but never a KIA helmet. Regarding the "combat-worn" condition, we should remember that he may have only been in theatre for a few days or weeks. The helmet being used by him stateside is another great point. Or, perhaps it was an entirely different R.W. Hurley. Regardless, nice helmet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap Camouflage Pattern I Posted October 22, 2019 Share #16 Posted October 22, 2019 There are plenty of dirty helmets that are not combat worn and plenty of clean helmets that were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6th.MG.BN Posted October 23, 2019 Author Share #17 Posted October 23, 2019 I realize condition doesn't dictate if it was or wasn't used in combat. Like mentioned it might be from someone else all together? Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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