Description
WWII U.S. Navy LST (Landing Ship Tank) 1039 Fixed Loop M1 Helmet & Westinghouse Liner Set
Wonderful original WWII U.S.N. LST-1039 M1 helmet set – The McCord Radiator and Manufacturing Company produced front seam fixed bale helmet shell has a heat stamp of 272C, dating its production to October 1942 being the third lift of steel blanks from the Carnegie Steel Company in that production run.
In addition to the original hand painted “1039” marking, the helmet retains its original olive drab factory finish, cork texture, and OD#3 (khaki) chinstraps. The Westinghouse liner features non-painted steel A-washers, d15 Production Code, dating the liner’s production to mid-1942. The liner’s exterior exhibits evidence of Navy Lieutenant officers’ rank. The liner comes complete with an original size 7 rayon headband and a buckled leather liner strap.
In addition to the OD#3 chinstrap this piece has been modified with a Navy Mk II Talker Helmet chinstrap which is sometimes seen on amphibious vessel operations. This exceptional find boasts the faint aroma of salt air when the liner is removed, a unique and unmistakable scent associated with all older naval vessels. A fine addition to any WW2 advanced helmet collection – recent estate acquisition and presented as acquired.
LST-1039
LST-1039 was laid down on 26 November 1944 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by the Dravo Corporation and subsequently launched on 6 January 1945; the ship was sponsored by Mrs. Jack H. Johnston; and commissioned on 9 February 1945, with Lieutenant G. E. Paris in command.
During World War 2, LST-1039 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations and participated in the amphibious landings, assault, and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in June 1945. After the formal surrender of Japan she performed Occupation Service in the Far East until early April 1946. LST-1039 returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 21 June 1946 and struck from the Navy Registry on 31 July that same year. On 2 September 1947, the ship was sold to the Columbia River Packers Association, Inc., for operation.
LST-1039 earned one Battle Star (Okinawa Gunto) on her Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and additionally the Navy Occupation Service Medal.
Important: This item is shipped from our US Storage Tracked Worldwide.
Adler Militaria