WWII Helmet Attributed to Paratrooper George Fatzer - 101st Airborne

Fixed bale M1 helmet manufactured by McCord showing heat number 191B, and a stainless steel rim joined in front by a spot weld over the top of the seam. Interior of the helmet is marked FATZER. G. M/32131613. CO. H. applied via marker. A hand painted white {Heart} insignia has been painted on each side of the helmet. The liner is the paratrooper pattern with A straps and the internal snaps intended to mate with the M2 pattern helmet. Inner crown of the liner is stamped with {Logo of the Inland Manufacturing Division}/16. The chin cup is lined with white leather. Both the right chinstrap of the helmet and the liner have been severed. The brow of the helmet liner has the correct grommet for a World War II pattern liner, and has been stenciled G. FATZER just above the grommet on the brow. Rear of liner stenciled F. 1613. Documents provided with the helmet include photocopies of the official request for the transfer of George Fatzer's remains back to his home state of New Jersey. They indicate his service number (serial number during WWII) was 32181618, indicating that the number on the liner and interior has two numbers in error.

Private First Class George M. Fatzer served in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. He joined the rest of his division in the massive airborne invasion of France prior to the amphibious operations of D-Day, June 6, 1944. According to his records, Fatzer was killed in action during the fighting on D-Day, and his body was initially interred in the cemetery at St. Mare Eglise. His body was transferred back to the United States in 1948 and reburied near his hometown in New Jersey.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg

Condition
Fair. Inner shell has oxidation and brown patina overall with some further oxidation and brown patina forming over the outside of the helmet as well. The liner paint finish is flaking at the edges with some scratches overall. The right side chin strap has been severed. Leather components remain supple, with some scuffs and mars.