LCI 45 Doctor's Helmet - Italian Campaign & Dragoon

[crotalus358]

Just moved and started to unpack, which I thought would be a good time to share one of my favorite groupings. This helmet and sign belonged to Dr. (Capt.) Earl P. W i c k e r h a m, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA. The Dr. served in the Army in July 1943 through March 1946, with subsequent re-enlistments in 1947 and 1953. During his civilian life, he was a pediatrician here in Pittsburgh. The Dr. passed in 1991.

 

This fixed bail helmet, stenciled with LCI-45 (not sure of the '12' designation), would have been indicative of his time aboard during the Italian Campaign and maybe Dragoon. Since he enlisted in 1943, he was probably not aboard for LCI-45's involvement in the Sicily or Salerno operations, but may have been present for Anzio, Elba/Pianosa, and Southern France.

 

I haven't been able to find much on the 339th General Hospital, but this was purchased at the estate sale at the same time some 10 years ago.

 

Thanks for looking!

 

Steve

 

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

 

[stealthytyler]

Nice helmet! According to his pension application form, he never served overseas during WWII. Looks like the 339th General Hospital was stateside in Pittsburg. Not sure why the back of the helmet would say LCI-45? 

 

 

 

 

 

[Grant G.]

Man, this is a really cool helmet set. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[gravecreek]

Outstanding ! Thanks for posting.

[M24 Chaffee]

Great looking helmet! Nice to have a Pittsburgh helmet! I’m originally from that part of the state. 
 

Frank

[1canpara]

Wow, an incredible helmet! Amazing history and great markings!