Unusual M38 helmet cover; US Frogskin?

**Anderson** · 02-07-2019, 12:15 PM

Here's an unusual helmet cover this Fallschirmjager is wearing in this Bundesarchiv photo from France, Summer 1944.
Under the chicken wire the camo cloth pattern is neither Splinter or SS, but looks like the US 1942 pattern "frog skin", after the war called "duckhunter".
But how could it arrive on an M38 helmet in June or July 1944?
Some US units did use "frogskin" camo combat uniforms early in the D-Day invasion. Was this a recycled helmet cover, or improvised from a captured uniform? I've never seen another photo showing what appears to be frogskin camo helmet cover being used by the Germans.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 02-07-2019 12:15 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**real steel** · 02-07-2019, 02:35 PM

I would think improvised from a US uniform. It is a desirable camo pattern for summer or fall
D.

**Mark K** · 02-07-2019, 02:40 PM

Anderson I will have a look tonight on my PC and a couple of other venues that I frequent if memory serves me correct there are a few late war images depicting German soldiers sporting US produced covers and or camo parachute silk...

Regards Mark

**Anderson** · 02-07-2019, 03:03 PM

Guy's have a look at the FJ man's tunic. What is it? Is it a reversible splinter jacket, or is he actually also wearing a US "frog skin" camo jacket? If you look at the sleeves the frog skin pattern seems to be showing through. If so, why is he wearing it inside out? I can only think that the photographer may have suggested he switch it rather than showing they were using American uniforms. An interesting photo.