Bill Sell via the Mercer County Historical Society

There are several military helmets found in the care of the Riley House museum, but one in particular tends to catch the eye of visitors: the M1.

The M1 helmet was used by the U. S. armed forces from 1941 to 1966. This helmet replaced the M1917 helmet which had been copied from the British and was used by American troops in World War I. The M1, often called “the World War II helmet,” gave the American military more protection from lateral fire, and had a distinctive American appearance.

Between the first and second World Wars, the infantry began testing different designs and helmets, which offered greater protection from the World War. One helmet was rejected because it had a great resemblance to the German Stahlhelm. The infantry board took its direction from Brigadier General Courtney Hodges, who basically took the 1917 helmet and trimmed up the brim and sides. A skirt was also added to the back and sides, and a Riddell-type liner and suspension system that was found in football helmets of the time was also applied. 

The M1 successfully resisted a .45 caliber pistol bullet fired at close range, exceeding initial expectations. Over 22 million M1 helmets were manufactured between 1941 and 1945 A later analysis of the M1 helmet from the war indicated that 54% of hits to the M1 failed to penetrate. An estimated 70,000 men were saved by wearing it.

The German Stahlhelm (steel helmet) was ahead of its time, protecting German soldiers against artillery, shrapnel and debris. Both it and the American M1 are the most distinctive and identifiable helmets of World War II. If you want to see an M1 helmet, visit us at the Riley House museum and check out the War Room upstairs. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays and Fridays. Admission is free.