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German-Helmets.com - The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945

Army (Heer) Medical Combat Helmet

This scarce M1942 helmet was painted according to one of the many styles used to identify the German Army (Heer) medical personnel (Sanitäters) in combat. The helmet bears a single army decal with a white over paint and a red hand painted cross. The decal has been painted around indicating that the helmet was first a standard issue combat helmet. This pattern is one of a handful of configurations that utilized the red cross insignia outlined by the 1929 Geneva Convention. The helmet was acquired from a personal estate and originated as a war trophy brought home by an unknown American soldier. The helmet has clearly seen use, but it is uncertain whether or not this was in combat or simply in a rear area hospital close to the front lines. Such a helmet would typically be worn by military men traveling to the front lines to pick up wounded soldiers and to bring them back to rear area hospitals or treatment stations. Few original helmets of this type and configuration are known to exist in collections or in museums. This helmet would have seen service between 1942 and 1945 and saw probable use during the battles of 1944-45 as the Americans entered Germany.

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German-Helmets.com - The Online Reference Guide to World War II German Helmets 1933-1945