Helmet, M1, Fixed Loops, Firestone Liner, S/Sgt. Charles E. Kurtz, 35th Inf. Div., Normandy, Bastogne

Genuine WWII US Army M1 helmet, front rim seam and fixed loops, manufactured by McCord, shell number 311A.

Original canvas chinstrap with brass buckle and hook.

The name Kurtz was applied to the front using the same technique as on the steel helmet, along with a partial service number, K-6947 (35536947), on the liner. 
S/Sgt. Charles E. Kurtz served with G Company, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division. He was wounded in action in September 1944.

Comes along with its original liner, made by Firestone, retaining its khaki cotton web suspension, with russet leather sweatband, plain A washers and leather chinstrap with OD-painted buckles.

Nice homogeneous set in good, worn condition.

The 35th Infantry Division arrived in England on 25 May 1944, where it underwent further training before landing on Omaha Beach, Normandy, between 5 and 7 July. The division entered combat on 11 July, fighting its way through the Normandy hedgerows north of Saint-Lô. After repelling twelve German counterattacks at Emelie, it entered Saint-Lô on 18 July. Following mopping-up operations in the area, the division joined the offensive southwest of the city, driving German forces across the Vire River on 2 August and participating in the breakout from the Cotentin Peninsula.

While advancing toward a new assembly area, the division was unexpectedly diverted to secure the Mortain–Avranches corridor and rescue the 30th Infantry Division’s encircled “Lost Battalion” during the fighting of 7–13 August. It then raced across France through Orléans before crossing the Moselle on 13 September and capturing Nancy on 15 September. Continuing eastward, the division secured Chambrey on 1 October and advanced toward the German border, capturing Sarreguemines and crossing the Saar River on 8 December. After crossing the Blies River on 12 December, it withdrew to Metz for rest and refitting on 19 December.

The German offensive in the Ardennes soon brought the division back into action. Moving to Arlon, Belgium, on 25–26 December, the 35th joined the fighting to relieve Bastogne. Facing attacks by elements of four German divisions, it captured Villers-la-Bonne-Eau on 10 January 1945 after thirteen days of fierce fighting, followed by Lutrebois after a five-day engagement. On 18 January, the division returned to Metz to resume its interrupted period of rest and refitting.