Deuce Posted March 4, 2023 Share #1 Posted March 4, 2023 I’ve had this in my collection for several years. It’s the only FJ helmet I’ve ever seen and been able to afford. When I purchased the helmet, I was given former correspondence between the original buyer and the son of the veteran that brought it back. Originally brought back by Corporal Richard Stark who served in A Battery, 29th Field Artillery Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. The correspondence mentioned that it was captured during combat against Fallschirmjager Regiment 3. This may have been a typo and meant to say 3rd Fallschirmjager Division which fought the 4th Infantry Division in Normandy. I believe the helmet originally had a chunky camo pattern that was cleaned at some point in time. The Luftwaffe Adler appears to have been dug out during this process. Helmet is named to a “Reiter” which translates to “Knight” in German. The chinstrap has decayed over time but parts still remain. It has early spanner style bolts and an early lot number. I believe it was built originally in 1940 or 1941. It’s neat to think it may have also been present during combat in Belgium, Crete, Russia, etc.. Overall the helmet still displays well and has original green paint on it. This helmet was brought back from Europe by a veteran in 1945. I acquired it from the son.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted March 4, 2023 Share #2 Posted March 4, 2023 Very nice. It looks like in some places the eagle is covered with paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Posted March 4, 2023 Author Share #3 Posted March 4, 2023 I misspoke….. it’s a M38 helmet. Not sure how I fat fingered that one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCapturephotos Posted March 4, 2023 Share #4 Posted March 4, 2023 It’s my dream to own one of those brought back by a GI. Thanks for sharing. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Barickman Posted March 5, 2023 Share #5 Posted March 5, 2023 That is a real gem from a real combat outfit in one of the most celebrated battles; love it!! Great bringback, Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share #6 Posted March 5, 2023 3 hours ago, manayunkman said: Very nice. It looks like in some places the eagle is covered with paint. It may still be covered up a bit but I am going to keep it under there. I love the way it looks! 1 hour ago, USCapturephotos said: It’s my dream to own one of those brought back by a GI. Thanks for sharing. Paul It was the same with me! I honestly never thought I would be able to afford one of these things but I lucked out finding this one! 1 hour ago, Kurt Barickman said: That is a real gem from a real combat outfit in one of the most celebrated battles; love it!! Great bringback, Kurt Thanks Kurt! I am at the point in time where I want to pieces in my collection to be tied to a allied service member that brought it back. It makes the pieces come to life knowing the general history behind where and when they were captured. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCapturephotos Posted March 5, 2023 Share #7 Posted March 5, 2023 I couldn’t agree more! I just love pieces tied to the GIs who brought them home. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share #8 Posted March 5, 2023 13 hours ago, USCapturephotos said: I couldn’t agree more! I just love pieces tied to the GIs who brought them home. Paul Me too! I’m at the point in Collecting where I won’t buy unless I can trace how it came back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCapturephotos Posted March 5, 2023 Share #9 Posted March 5, 2023 1 hour ago, Deuce said: Me too! I’m at the point in Collecting where I won’t buy unless I can trace how it came back We are very similar Deuce! I’d like to hear more about your collection sometime! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Schaefer Posted March 5, 2023 Share #10 Posted March 5, 2023 "Reiter" in German translates to "Horseman" or "Rider" in English. "Knight" in English would translate to "Ritter". Remember "Ritterkreuz"? (Knight's Cross). Great helmet with a great bring back story, congratulations! Best Wishes, Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share #11 Posted March 5, 2023 4 hours ago, USCapturephotos said: We are very similar Deuce! I’d like to hear more about your collection sometime! Paul I am sure it will all be up on here eventually (at least the parts of it that I can tie back to “Spoils of War”. It’s not the largest collection in the world but it’s a bunch of cool pieces of history! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCapturephotos Posted March 5, 2023 Share #12 Posted March 5, 2023 Please share when you can. If you scroll back you’ll see some of mine. I’d be happy to send you a few photos directly of some of the favorites. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TO4thIDWW2 Posted March 10, 2023 Share #13 Posted March 10, 2023 Great helmet captured by a soldier from a great unit! Do you have other items from Richard Stark ? Thanks ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Posted March 11, 2023 Author Share #14 Posted March 11, 2023 2 hours ago, TO4thIDWW2 said: Great helmet captured by a soldier from a great unit! Do you have other items from Richard Stark ? Thanks ! I don’t. This is the only one that I have from him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now