Helmet Liner

Unidentified - 308th Engineer Battalion

The liner is a correct "high pressure" WWII manufactured M-1 helmet liner, WWII issue and stamped with a W under mold number 8, for the Westinghouse Electric Co Manufactured in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Westinghouse was the largest M-1 helmet liner producer and had two production divisions, Micarta and Bryant Electric. Westinghouse started M-1 helmet liner delivery in May 1942.

This true US WWII M-1 helmet liner be identified through the frontal eyelet hole. Other correct WWII features include OD Green #3 cotton herringbone twill (HBT) cloth suspension liner, with the webbing in good condition. This HBT suspension is held tightly within the M-1 helmet liner by rivets and a series of triangular "A" washers. The three upper suspension bands are joined together with the correct OD green string. This way the wearer could adjust the fit. The sweatband is still present, with the leather in worn condition, showing sweat staining from service, the nape strap is missing. The liner chin strap is fall apart in three pieces and also shows service wear and staining.

Tis liner has, in my opinion, post WWII decals for the 308th Engineer Battalion and for the 83rd Infantry Division. On the edge of the liner are a red stripe over top of a white stripe. What's the significance of this marking I have not been able to find out to this day.

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