I do not see any connection to the Raiders after reviewing the photos and apparent research. The target being an accentuation of apparently isolated battle damage is also a bit too far fetched for me. 61' as painted would indicate a year more than any association to a unit. This just looks like a potential veteran who was at Quantico in the 1960's who painted up a helmet for his kid to play with.   There's zero indication this would have any notable ties to the Raiders. 

YIKES!

Hi had to sign up again as i couldn't sign in no matter, so i am back to ask if since i posted this topic if anyone could help with some measurements if they have one. 

I should note as well, this has been published in Volume 8 of H a r d y’s book and this piece is documented on his online museum site.

Staff Sergeant Melissa Koskovich / USS Ronald Reagan    https://www.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/143655/same-fight-by-land-or-sea/    

It's a neat helmet for sure but I'm not really seeing the Raider connection. Honestly, it looks more like something a chikd would have painted on Dad's old helmet. 

I read the article on the link.  The 61st foot was a Marine unit...... In the British Military.... There was no U.S. in 1740. Maybe someone put that on there as reference to the 61st foot? But it could also be Quantico 1961.. Just as easily... The skull? That is associated with the raiders... But the backwards swastica I can find no examples of it associated with the raiders but that doesnt mean it was not used, just that I cannot find any reference. Unfortunately, like all helmets with no provenance, its a guessing game. Its possible, if there was a Captain Maddox in the raiders...... ?

I did a search and I am not finding a tradition of any painted USMC helmets post WW1. Have you found anything that shows this happened?

Thanks Kurt Billyh

Exactly, jmd62. And only $140 plus $10 shipping, too!