WWII U.S. Westinghouse M-1 Helmet Liner with Headband, Neckband & Leather Chinstrap Identified to Pvt. Burton D. Harrison (1942)

Description

This original WWII U.S. M-1 helmet liner is identified to Private Burton D. Harrison, 37536842. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Pvt. Harrison's life and military service. This helmet liner was produced by Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It features non-painted steel A-washers and an OD#3 (khaki) suspension with folded ends on the neck support, which approximately date the liner's production to late-1942. The suspension is marked with Pvt. Harrison's initials and last four digits of his Army Service Number (ASN), "BDH, 6842". Additionally, painted in its interior is Pvt. Harrison's name and full ASN, "Burton Harrison 37536842". It comes complete with its original flat, green buckled leather chinstrap, headband and neckband. Hand painted atop the exterior's original olive drab factory finish is Pvt. Harrison's rank insignia and surname.

Provenance

Private Collection, Toledo, Oregon

Condition Report

This helmet liner is in good, well used condition. Interestingly, there are a few small punctures throughout, possibly caused by a BB gun after the war.

Veteran's Information

The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri incurred a fire on July 12, 1973, which destroyed 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files; unfortunately, Harrison's enlistment records appear to have been affected. That said, we were able to discover several of his "Morning Reports" - the earliest of which is dated September 6, 1943, and shows Harrison's arrival at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and his subsequent departure for basic training at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. Upon the successful completion of basic training, Harrison was assigned to the Military Police Detachment District #1 at Fort Snelling near Minneapolis, Minnesota. From there, he joined Company B of the 94th Engineer Battalion at Camp Claiborne near Forest Hill, Louisiana. The 94th Engineer Battalion specialized in heavy construction and technical engineering, preparing for the massive logistical needs of the European Theater of Operations. On December 30, 1944, Harrison was transferred to the Engineer Board Station Complement at Fort A.P. Hill near Bowling Green, Virginia. Made available to the new owner below are Harrison's aforementioned "Morning Reports" from the National Archives. At Gustafson's request, the National Archives is currently processing Harrison's Official Military Personnel File, which will soon be made available below.

• "Morning Reports"
• Official Military Personnel File (Coming Soon)