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Help identifying helmet insignia

Discussion in 'American WWII Uniforms and Equipment' started by Kiel, Aug 9, 2018.

  1. Kiel

    Kiel New Member

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    Hello. I was wondering if anyone could help me with identifying the insignia on my grandfather's helmet. He was a doctor, as the medical cross on the front confirms, but I'm struggling to find any more info on the the side stencil. I'm not totally sure, but it appears to be a mortar and pestle behind the yellow lightening bolt and small star. I have been unsuccessful in finding the lightening bolt and star on their own as well.

    IMG_2213.jpg

    Does this look familiar to anyone? Thank you in advance for your help.
     
  2. RichTO90

    RichTO90 Well-Known Member

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    It's the 25th ID 'Tropic Lightning' but why the additional stuff is beyond me? Looks like a bird in the top right and...something else? Mortar and pestle sounds about right...was he a pharmacist by any chance?
     
  3. TD-Tommy776

    TD-Tommy776 Man of Constant Sorrow

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    With the red and yellow, the 25th ID also popped into my mind. However, the lightning bolt would be vertical rather than diagonal. It's obviously patterned after a DUI. If it is for a medical unit, the "star" in the upper right may just be a medical cross.
     
  4. Kiel

    Kiel New Member

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    Thank you for your responses. Tropic Lightning was in the Pacific, correct? I know my grandfather was in Europe, not the Pacific, because he received a beautiful engraved clock from Dachau for his service treating survivors.
    So the search continues....
    Thanks for your help!
     
  5. TD-Tommy776

    TD-Tommy776 Man of Constant Sorrow

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    The color scheme and lightning bolt were what made me think of the 25ID, and you are correct that they were in the PTO. In all likelihood, he just happened to have some yellow paint and used that. I would still suggest looking for a DUI that is similar. If you have any info as to what unit(s) he was in, that may help narrow down the search.
     
  6. Kiel

    Kiel New Member

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    I don't understand what you mean by "unit(s)" but he was in the Army. (That could be given by the helmet, I'm not totally sure)
     
  7. Kiel

    Kiel New Member

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    7th Calvary. I guess the debate is about which division.
     
  8. TD-Tommy776

    TD-Tommy776 Man of Constant Sorrow

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    I used "unit(s)" because it was not unusual for a serviceman to have served in more than one unit. Since we had no information as to what unit or units he may have served with, I kept my options open pending more specific information.
     
  9. RichTO90

    RichTO90 Well-Known Member

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    If he was 7th Cavalry, then he wasn't in Europe. What made you think 7th Cavalry?
     

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