Complete Front Seam M1 - Named - Rank Marked - Big Red One

[helmet2id]

Here is a complete front seam M1, with swivel bales, sewn straps, blackened brass hardware, and complete Westinghouse liner. The shell has a clothe Warrant Officer flash glued to the front that has been there forever. The liner, named to Lawrence E Hanson, with his RA service number, looks like it has been with the shell since the War, and has a "Big Red One" decal on the front with dual 16th Regiment decals on the sides. I like it alot, I hope you do too. Jim G.

[NickD]

i believe this would be a 1950's helmet as i think decals like this came in to use post war & the RA before his number is also a post war use RA meaning regular army but nether the less a very nice M-1 can you make out his service number ??

[NickD]

think i found him ???

NARA - AAD - Display Full Records - Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records)

[helmet2id]

i believe this would be a 1950's helmet as i think decals like this came in to use post war & the RA before his number is also a post war use RA meaning regular army but nether the less a very nice M-1 can you make out his service number ??

Thanks Nick, After I read your post I looked it up and RA was added as a designation for Regular Army in 1947. The use of decals like these was started, as i understand it, immediately after the War. The components of the shell and liner are all war time vintage. The serial number is RA 19123868. Is there a way we can trace the service history of the soldier? Any suggestions/help would be appreciated, as I have a few US pots that are named, and some have the serial numbers as well. Thanks in advance. Jim G.

[helmet2id]

Found him! Lawrence E. Hanson was inducted in 1942, and was originally in the Army Air Corps. He was born in 1924 in Minnesota, and was a resident of Butte Montana when he joined the Army. He enlisted on 12/8/1941 (wow!) and apparently re-upped a few times after the War, which would explain the RA prefix on his serial number. I have never tried to look up the service history of the soldiers whose helmets I have before, but Nick's post got me interested, and I am thrilled. This guy was in the service during WWII, and may have landed on D-Day! I guess I have alot more research to do now. Jim G.

Click on the picture 2 x's and you will be able to read the record.

[helmet2id]

think i found him ???

NARA - AAD - Display Full Records - Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records)

I guess we were both searching at the same time. Thanks for your help. I am sure that this is the man. Jim G.

[NickD]

it always makes them that bit more special when theres a name that can be traced nice job mate

[Rettzdad]

Did a little research on Mr. Lawrence. Unfortunately, it looks as if he has passed.
HANSON, LAWRENCE E 26 Jun 1924 15 Feb 1996 (V) 71 84125 (Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, UT) (none specified) Montana 517-24-0079

[helmet2id]

Thanks for the additional information. Our vets are leaving us at an alarming, and sorrowful pace. God bless him. Jim G.