Category Archives: United States

White Cadet Dress Helmet

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The George Patton Museum at Fort Knox has been undergoing a renovation for some months, and during this time the museum offered minimal displays. Among these included various uniforms from ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Cadet) programs from the past 150 years.

This included a cadet uniform from Cornell University from 1892. What makes this particular display interesting is that it features a white helmet that is stated to be an “Army adopted… dress helmet pattern,” and noted, “Except for the white color, this helmet mirrors the infantry helmet used for the regular Army during this time.” Continue reading →

The American Summer Sun Helmet

The “Classic” American Sun Helmet of the late 19th Century. This Model 1887 helmet features four panel construction and is constructed of cork covered with bleached cotton drill.

The “Classic” American Sun Helmet of the late 19th Century. This Model 1887 helmet features four panel construction and is constructed of cork covered with bleached cotton drill.

While the various European powers sought a “place in the sun” and established colonies around the world, the United States in the latter half of the 19th century expanded westward and tamed the interior of the North American continent. Continue reading →

Canadian Universal Pattern Helmet

A Royal Canadian Artillery Universal Pattern Helmet Circa 1905.

A Royal Canadian Artillery Universal Pattern Helmet Circa 1905.

Shortly after the adoption of the Home Service Helmet in 1878 by the British War Office, the Canadian Department of Militia and Defence (M&D) followed suit. However, within a few years this pattern, which included blue helmets for Infantry and the various Corps, Green for Light Infantry and a short-lived dark Green for Rifle regiments, M&D did a volte face and ordered the white ‘Foreign Service’ pattern helmet for general use. Continue reading →

Guardia Nacional/Fuerzas de Defensa de Panama Sun Helmet

Guardia-Nacional1The tropical climate of Panama is one where sun helmets are truly practical. Thus it is not surprising that the Panamanian Defense Forces did use some American pressed fiber sun helmets prior to, and even during, the December 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama known as Operation Just Cause.

This operation occurred to depose Panamanian leader, general and dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega  – the nation’s Maximum Leader – and to safeguard American lives and interests in Panama. Continue reading →

The Mysterious Helmet of General Irvin McDowell

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While it is widely accepted that the sun/pith helmet most certainly originated in India, it remains a point of conjecture whether the sun helmet traveled not to Europe but to America, where it found its way to the first battlefields outside of the Indian subcontinent during the American Civil War.

Some sources suggest that the 4th New Hampshire Infantry may have worn a “pith helmet” or sun helmet to protect the soldiers from the intense southern sun during its campaigns in Florida, but what remains much more of a mystery is exactly what Brigadier General Irvin McDowell (above left with General George McClellan) may have worn at the Battle of Bull Run – the first major engagement of the war between the states. Continue reading →

Sun Helmets of Uruguay – From France and America to Monetevido

A French-made M31 pattern sun helmet, likely supplied to Uruguay prior to WWII.

A French-made M31 pattern sun helmet, likely supplied to Uruguay prior to WWII.

While the South American nation of Uruguay managed to stay out of foreign conflicts – and was neutral in both World Wars of the 20th century – internal strife including power struggles resulted in a large standing army that was often prepared for war.

The Uruguayan military forces used a variety of steel helmets prior to the Second World War and most seem to be either of French manufacture or at least French design. The same held true of its sun helmets. This author has previously noted that throughout the 1930s and 1940s the nation’s military officers were required to buy their own uniforms and looked to neighboring Argentina – another South American nation with a strong military tradition – for influence. Continue reading →

Art of the Helmet

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The American pressed fiber sun helmet that was introduced just prior to World War II, and remained in service well into the 1990s by some USN units has the distinction of being the longest continually used helmet in the American military history. The helmets aren’t typically hard to find either, and often lack little in character.

However as these examples can attest some owners knew how to give their helmets some personal style. Continue reading →