This brief survey of markings painted on the helmets of U.S. Army troops during the Second World War was gathered after a cursory examination of photos in recent books. Even though such decorations were not widespread, there obviously ex isted many other styles and variations. It should be pointed out that this survey does not include those officers' insignia of rank as painted or actually affixed to the helmet (except when used in conjunction with another marking), those 'loose' attachments of a flag or Red Cross armband simply inserted beneath camouflage netting, nor the colourful decorations or decals employed on the helmet-liners of ceremonial or training personnel even to this day.

In all cases these illustrated markings appeared on the actual helmet, under combat conditions -with the probable exception of the final drawing. Such markings served either an overall function, such as distin guishing medical and military police troops, or more limited uses, as tactical or patrol identification, unit insignia, even personal decoration -or combinations of the above.

The first six drawings show some red cross variations: there were at least half-a-dozen more. Almost all such personnel wore field jackets, with armbands on left arm (some on right, some without) and a large first aid bag over the shoulder. Shoulder patches seemed not too common, although carried by the medic of drawing (A), along with O.D. scarf and gloves. The following notes refer to location, date, and any details that could be discerned:

(A) Ardennes, January 1945, 84th Division ( Red Cross emblem painted on sides, front and rear); (B) and (C) Italy, January 1944 (Cross did not appear on sides). Style (C) also photographed on rear of helmet, with smaller emblems on sides, in France, September 1944; (D) and (E) also France, September 1944 (front, back and sides) -(E) most unusual in having crosses white; (F) Germany, March 1945 (not on sides).

The next two existed in many variations in length, thickness etc. (G) Cologne, March 1945 (H) Po River, April 1945 (If Italy, January 1944 (apparently on rear only, perhaps 3rd Div.); (J) Belgium, December 1944 (Brigadier General McAuliffe of 101st Airborne Division with metal star affixed to front of helmet).

Unit insignia are represented by the following: (K) France, 1944 (M.P. of First Army, 'A' in black); (L) Rhine, March 1945 (M.P. of Seventh Army, colours are blue, yellow and red inner triangle), (M) Italy, December 1943 (3rd Division, blue/white stripes}; (N) Ruhr, April 1945 (5th Division, large, unevenlypainted red diamond on sides); (O) Metz, November 1944 (Major General Irwin, 5th Division, two metal stars affixed to front); (P) Italy, 1944 (Major General Ryder 34th Division, red bovine skull on black, also metal stars), (Q) gibe April 1945 (Medic of 69th Division, red/blue emblem, with unidentified marking above, possibly Parachute badge. Regular red cross on white circle on sides. Other soldiers had only 69th emblem on front of helmet) and, finally (R) Tokyo, September; 1945 (First Cavalry Division, yellow and black).

It should also be pointed out that most of the markings were quite obviously hand-painted and did not always present a neat or mechanical appearance, a distinct advantage to those who might wish to try some of these on 54mm figures!