Spring Military Aviation and Militaria Auction
Lot 237:
Description
A World War II era US Army M1941 pattern pressed fiber sun helmet featuring a tan khaki fabric covering and a brass US collar insignia pinned to the front. The interior brim is extensively hand-inscribed in ink with the service history of a soldier identified as Chip Vacchino of Company M, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. The inscriptions include a service timeline beginning March 17, 1941, listing training locations at Camp Edwards and Fort Devens, followed by deployments to Australia, Ballarat, New Caledonia, New Hebrides (Efate, Espiritu Santo, Malakula), and the Solomon Islands. Specific combat engagements are noted, including the Battle of Grassy Knoll and the Battle of Grassy Hill. The helmet lists several transport vessels: McAndrew, Santa Alena, HMS Westralia, HMS Leander, Hunter Liggett, McCawley, and Tabinta. Hand-drawn illustrations include palm trees, a sun symbol, and the six-pointed star insignia of the Americal Division. The interior crown is marked with the names Enna, Paula, and Chip. The helmet retains its original adjustable leather headband and drawstring.
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