M1 Helmet
The iconic American combat helmet that served from World War II through the Cold War.
The M1 helmet is a combat helmet used by the United States Armed Forces from 1941 to approximately 1985. It replaced the M1917 helmet, a variant of the British Brodie helmet used during World War I, and became an icon of the U.S. military, with its design inspiring copies and derivative designs used by other militaries worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Material
- Hadfield Manganese Steel
Lore & Background
The M1 helmet was a completely new design, not developed from the M1917 shell. In 1940, the Infantry Board, under Brigadier General Courtney Hodges, oversaw the development of a new prototype. The resulting prototype, designated TS-3, featured a distinct shape and liner system, and was given official approval on June 6, 1941, as 'Helmet, Steel, M1'. Over 22 million U.S. M1 helmets were manufactured through September 1945, primarily by McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company and Schlueter Manufacturing Company. The helmet was phased out during the 1980s in favor of the PASGT helmet.
Reader's Guide
The M1 helmet consists of an outer metal shell and a hard hat–type liner with an adjustable suspension system. The outer shell should not be worn by itself. The liner can be worn alone, providing protection similar to a hard hat. Helmet covers and netting are applied by covering the steel shell with extra material tucked inside and secured by inserting the liner. The helmet depth is 7 inches, width 9.5 inches, length 11 inches, steel shell thickness 0.044 inches, and weight approximately 3 pounds including liner and chinstrap.
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