{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-segregated-93rd-infantry-division-blue-helmets-painted-m1917-doughboy-helmet","title":"Original U.S. WWI Segregated 93rd Infantry Division “Blue Helmets” Painted M1917 Doughboy Helmet","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a U.S. M1917 \"Doughboy\" helmet, which features original period Dark Green paint and retains much of the original textured paint as well as a beautiful 93rd Infantry Division insignia on the front. Although their uniforms were American, their helmets were the French-style, blueish-tinted Adrian helmet. The 93rd's division insignia, henceforth, became the silhouetted Adrian helmet patch in a black circle. Because of this, the 93rd was nicknamed the “Blue Helmet” Division.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shell is stamped ZC 307 indicating it was produced in the United States, and can be seen on the underside of the skirt towards the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe solid rivets on the chin strap bales is another method of identifying the helmet as being American made. The liner and chinstrap are present and in mostly solid condition though the chinstrap is broken with the lower half missing. The liner still retains remnants of the original top felt pad without the paper label. The overall condition of the lining reflects that of having been stored improperly. There are evident signs of insect\/rodent damage on the oilcloth and felt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful example of a complete M1917 doughboy helmet. Comes more than ready for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93rd Infantry Division\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 93rd Infantry Division was a segregated unit of the United States Army in World War I and World War II. However, in World War I only its four infantry regiments, two brigade headquarters, and a provisional division headquarters were organized, and the divisional and brigade headquarters were demobilized in May 1918. Its regiments fought primarily under French command in that war and saw action during the Second Battle of the Marne. They acquired the nickname Blue Helmets (French: Casques Bleus) from the French, as these units were issued horizon blue French Adrian helmets. Consequently, its shoulder patch became a blue French helmet, to commemorate its service with the French Army during the German spring offensive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe division saw service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, but saw little fighting. The division was reactivated with the segregated infantry designation on 15 May 1942 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and shipped to Guadalcanal in 1944. Most of its regiments were mainly used as construction units and in defensive operations in the South Pacific. In 1945, the 93rd Infantry Division was inactivated, it had suffered 12 killed in action throughout the war. The lineage of several of its units are carried on by units in the Illinois and Maryland Army National Guards.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41128831909957,"sku":"ONJR24HGM060","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24HGM060__01.jpg?v=1710358468","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-segregated-93rd-infantry-division-blue-helmets-painted-m1917-doughboy-helmet","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}