USAAF M3
These helmets were designed between 1942-43 and are modified M1's with cut out sides and a shorter front peak. they had movable earflaps attached so flight helmets with communications equipment could be worn underneath. The shell was painted with a special coating to prevent bare skin freezing to the steel at high altitude.
This particular helmet has an interesting history, it was procured from the son of Lt Col William Cadwell (who lives in the Staunton, Virginia area). Col Cadwell flew B-17's during WWII and later C-124's for Troop Carrier Wings in the 1950's. He retired from the Air Force in the 1970's.
(Courtesy: T Anderson Collection)
This particular helmet has an interesting history, it was procured from the son of Lt Col William Cadwell (who lives in the Staunton, Virginia area). Col Cadwell flew B-17's during WWII and later C-124's for Troop Carrier Wings in the 1950's. He retired from the Air Force in the 1970's.
(Courtesy: T Anderson Collection)
