WWII USAAF M-1 Helmet Liner Double Wire Headband by Johnson & Johnson Identified to Sgt. Raymond Franklin

Description

This original WWII U.S. Army Air Force M-1 helmet liner headband was produced by Johnson & Johnson. It is identified to Sergeant Raymond Franklin, 34361532. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Sgt. Franklin's life and military service. This headband features the double wire buckle variation and second pattern spring clips, which have a straight bottom edge, approximately dating the headband's production from early to mid-1942. Its leather is marked with the original owner's name and full Army Service Number, "R. Franklin" and "34361532", respectively. This would be an ideal headband for all helmet liners with non-painted steel A-washers (including Hawleys and low-pressure liners).

Provenance

Private Collection, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Condition Report

This headband is in good, used condition. The leather remains soft and pliable.

Veteran's Information

Raymond Franklin was born on December 9, 1907, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. On July 24, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. During the war, he served in the Air Transport Command, based at the 11th Station in "Narsarssuak [sic]", Greenland. Franklin had some misfortune during his service and was hospitalized with a cardiospasm diagnosis in October 1944 but recovered and returned to regular duty on November 7, 1944. Franklin eventually attained the rank of sergeant, survived the war, and died on October 2, 1996, at the age of 88. He is buried at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Made available to the new owner below are Franklin's enlistment records, draft registration cards and "Morning Reports" from the National Archives, as well as his gravesite. At Gustafson's request, the National Archives is currently processing Franklin's Official Military Personnel File, which will soon be made available below.

• Enlistment Records
• Draft Registration Cards & "Morning Reports"
• Gravesite
• Official Military Personnel File (Coming Soon)