WWII U.S. McCord Fixed Loop M-1 Helmet & Westinghouse Liner Set Identified to Donald E. Upchurch (1942)
WWII U.S. McCord Fixed Loop M-1 Helmet & Westinghouse Liner Set Identified to Donald E. Upchurch (1942)
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Description
This original WWII U.S. M-1 helmet set is identified to Donald E. Upchurch, 16161850. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Upchurch's life and military service. The front seam fixed loop helmet shell was manufactured by McCord Radiator & Manufacturing Co. of Detroit, Michigan and exhibits a lot number of "94A", approximately dating its production to early-1942. The helmet retains its original olive drab factory finish, cork texture, and OD#3 (khaki) chinstraps with brass hardware and a raised bar buckle. The chinstrap is marked with Upchurch's laundry number, "U-1850". The helmet's liner was produced by Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It features non-painted steel A-washers and an OD#3 suspension with folded ends on the neck support, which approximately dates the liner's production to late-1942. It comes complete with its original neckband. When first acquired, this helmet was missing its headband; we sourced a faithful replacement that matches not only the production timeframe of the other components but their condition as well. Like the steel shell, the liner also retains its original olive drab factory finish with rust staining matching that of the shell's interior, showcasing their long history together as a set.
Provenance
Private Collection, Marion, Illinois
Condition Report
This helmet set is in good, used condition. The steel shell exhibits surface rust throughout, its shorter chinstrap features an apparent field repair, and the liner's interior components show signs of wear and damage.
Veteran's Information
Donald Eugene Upchurch was born on March 16, 1924, in Carterville, Illinois. On November 24, 1942, Upchurch enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Peoria, Illinois. He served in the 376th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, based at RAF Thurleigh in England. As a staff sergeant serving in group operations (headquarters), Upchurch was spared from seeing much action, however he did fly at least one combat mission as a gunner over Leipzig, Germany and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. Upchurch was honorably discharged at war's end, served in the Air Force Reserves for an additional five years, was eventually recalled to active duty for the Korean War and even continued his service into the Vietnam War, eventually attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. Upchurch died on November 10, 1992, at the age of 68 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Made available to the new owner below are Upchurch's enlistment records, his file from the 306th Bomb Group Association, pay stub from the National Archives, WWII Memorial Registry entry, and gravesite.
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