Helmet Markings

[Funkhouser]

Hey guys I'm working on preparing gear for WWII airsoft, and I was just wondering about those shapes painted on the American helmets during WWII. Does anyone have a idea of what they mean? I know they relate to unit/division but can anyone tell me which symbols correspond to which unit?

[Cramer]

-The Spade (506th PIR)

-The Heart (502nd PIR)

-The Club (501st PIR)

-Orange Diamond (Rangers)

-Horizontal Line (Non-Commissioned Officers)

-Vertical Line (Commissioned Officers)

[GMoney BAR]

I think the horizontal line means Training NCO

[Cramer]

-The Spade (506th PIR)

-The Heart (502nd PIR)

-The Club (501st PIR)

-Orange Diamond (Rangers)

-Horizontal Line (Non-Commissioned Officers)

-Vertical Line (Commissioned Officers)

I was incorrect... here are the correct markings...

Spade - 506th PIR

Heart - 502nd PIR

Club - 327th GIR

Diamond - 501st PIR

Diamond with Black Battalion Number - Rangers

Vertical Line - Commissioned Officers

Horizontal Line - Non-Commissioned Officers

I think the horizontal line means Training NCO

Why would there be a training NCO in the middle of battle? The horizontal line is, for sure.. the marking of an NCO.

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This may also be helpful to identifty the positions within the division. Notice the different markings around the spade:

Edited July 13, 2010 by Cramer 1st MRB