Extremely Rare U.S. (Airborne) 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment Helmet - Battle of the Bulge

An extremely rare example of a U.S. Airborne 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment Helmet. A textbook M1 fiixed bale helmet applied with a 509th Decal. The helmet is in clear combat used condition and was found in the Ardennes and kept in a private collections over the past decades. The helmet has never been cleaned and retains clear markings of camouflage paint. The helmet is applied with a textbook handpainted and so-called 'Man in the Door' Geronimo or gingerbread man decal.
The 509th served in the Italian mainland campaign (1943–1944) and invasion of southern France. Including a second combat jump, on 15 August 1944, occurred around Le Muy and St Tropez in southern France. In late 1944 the 509th was deployed to support the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division in Belgium and fought during the battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes. The 509th Infantry Regiment's fought the end of January 1945 near St. Vith, Belgium. The helmet was recovered in this part of Belgium. The liner is original, however was not found with this helmet.The helmet has never been cleaned and still has traces of surface rust and dust. An extremely rare U.S. (Airborne) 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment Helmet with provenance that cannot be upgraded!

Code: 59317