M1 Helmet

The M1 helmet is a combat helmet that was used by the American military from World War II until it was succeeded by the PASGT helmet beginning in 1985. For over forty years, the M1 was standard issue for the U.S. military and naval forces, and has become an icon of the American military, with its design inspiring other militaries around the world.

M1 Helmet in Days of Infamy[]

Les Dillon was issued a M1 Helmet after the U.S. military updated its technology in preparation for the liberation of Hawaii in 1943. Dillon complained that his new helmet resembled a pot or a "footbath". He had worn the original M1917 for 25 years in military service and saw nothing wrong with it. Despite Dillon's misgivings, he soon discovered that the M1 covered more of the user's head.^[1]

M1 Helmet in The Hot War[]

When the Soviet Union invaded West Germany through Fulda, Gustav Hozzel and Max Bachman enlisted in the German Emergency Militia and were issued Springfield rifles along with uniforms and American style helmets. Hozzel thought the helmet didn't cover enough of his head but didn't fuss since it was better than nothing.^[2] After some hard fighting, Hozzel continued to hold that view but kept the American model after several other volunteers were killed for wearing Stahlhelms.^[3]

M1 Helmet in The Valley-Westside War[]

Enough steel helmets from the Old Time U.S. Army survived for over a century after the Fire fell, that they were often worn by soldiers in tribal conflicts such as the Valley-Westside War of 2097.^[4]

M1 Helmet in The War That Came Early[]

In early 1944, the US Marines replaced their old "steel derby" helmets with pot-shaped ones. Sgt. Pete McGill received his on Midway Island and had to sign for it twice, once for the helmet and again for the plastic liner, pads and straps inside it.^[5]