US M1 Combat Helmet. The M-1 helmet was developed as a replacement for the M-1917 helmet that had seen use since WW1. The M-1 helmet was approved for production in June of 1941. Early models had solid loops (fixed bale) for the chin straps but they broke off to often and were replaced with a moveable hinged loop. This is a helmet with the fixed bale loops and front seam stainless steel rim. The helmet is complete with its original chinstrap. The helmet comes with its original liner, the liner is complete with its leather chinstrap. The helmet liner is marked by 'Firestone'. The liner is in overall good used and worn condition showing some small damages. The outside of the helmet is showing a painted on blue-white logo of the US '29th Infantry Division'. The 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division was in the first assault wave to hit the beaches at Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Landing on Omaha Beach on the same day in the face of the intense enemy fire, the Division soon secured the bluff tops and occupied Isigny-sur-Mer on June 9th. The Division advanced slowly towards St. Lo, fighting bitterly in the Normandy hedge rows. After taking St.Lo on 18 July 1944 the Division joined in the battle for Vire, capturing that strongly held city on August 7th. The 29th took part in the assault on Brest from 25 August to 18 September 1944. After a short rest, the Division was moved to defensive positions along the Teveren-Geilenkirchen line and took part in operations in the Ruhr-Pocket after which the Division pushed to the Elbe River and held defensive positions until 4 May and also made contact with Soviet troops. This helmet would be a great addition to any D-Day collection or set-up. Rare and interesting original M1 helmet in good used condition!