Operation Dragoon Paratrooper helmet.

[Jean-Loup]

Here is a pic with the whole name highlighted.

[J.von Canon]

Helmet

Great detective work and very interesting account.

[Von Lessel]

Very interesting story. Excellant detective work 'Mr Holmes'

Lee

[Chris_Werner]

Fantastic story with a great ending. The old cliche about we collectors being mere transient custodians for our items is so true. I am sure you made one vet very happy, with a chance to go back again, at least for a little while.

[pfrost]

Fantastic story with a great ending. The old cliche about we collectors being mere transient custodians for our items is so true. I am sure you made one vet very happy, with a chance to go back again, at least for a little while.

What a great story!

My girlfriend's father is a Korean War vet and earned a couple of bronze stars. He has never shown any interest in those medals, one way or the other (he does get a bit heated about guys who wore the CIB who didn't earn it, but he tossed the medals away years ago). On the other hand, he has a small tin ring that he bought from a local Korean boy during a march that he is very proud of and has kept in a box of keep sakes since 1952.

When ever I show him a military "goodie" that I have found, he kind of scratches his head and say "gee, how nice....why did you buy that again?"

P Frost

[Brian Dentino]

JL- THIS IS WHY WE COLLECT!!!! After all, what are these items other than pieces of metal and leather? It is the meaning and human condition behind them that drive us and our hobby. What is an EK worth to a Reich collector? A whole lot more than the actual value of the metal in the medal, so to speak. I think that this is a great example of why we collect what we do. It comes from a profound interest in history, and the sacrifices that were made by those in the past that allow us the freedoms to live as we do.

I think that what you did was outstanding, and shows the true meaning of why we collect. At least, true collectors, and not investors . It is the love of the past and the willingness and urge to preserve what they did for future generations. I applaude you, JL.

Brian Dentino

[Jean-Loup]

Thank you for the compliments and kind words guys. I appreciate your interest.

JL

[Richard W.]

Thanks for posting your story. Great detective work. I was glad to learn that the helmet didn't stay in France because its owner was killed or wounded.

I think anybody who's had to wear a steel pot (or kevlar) for any length of time has longed to throw it away!

[Jean-Loup]

"I think anybody who's had to wear a steel pot (or kevlar) for any length of time has longed to throw it away!"
Yes, it is actually a bit difficult to find pics of these helmets in wear, because after about 2 weeks, almost all the trropers had got rid of their helmets some way or other, as well as their jump suits. In pics taken 1 month after the jumps, the guys are usually in torn up uniforms acting as mini shorts, and wearing french civilian berets.
JL

[crushercap17]

Along with everyone else: Congratulations on amazing work! These kind of stories are what compels me to purchase uniforms. Its staggering to think about what these helmets, uniforms, caps and other things have seen. I love researching uniforms and finding out about the man wearing it. I recall buying a uniform several years ago and had the fellows initials. I researched and was able to get his widow's number in a nursing home in Kansas. I called her up and had a long discussion with her and offered to return her the jacket to which she had pinned her husbands wings on 60 years ago. While the story isn't as impressive as the one on the helmet, I think this is what collecting is all about. It's peoples lives and its a piece of history. I am really impressed and gratified that people do this. Thanks for sharing this marvelous story!
Regards,
Beau Wright

[Perry Floyd]

Nice story, thanks for sharing. It would be nice to see or have knowledge of, former owners of the items in our collections.

[CRAIGGOODWIN]

Great Story

My whole family enjoyed this one !!! , Like others I'd love to be able to make a human conection with the items I have collected - how cool & how lucky are you.

Regards
Craig

[deejay]

Hi Jeane-loop,

stories like yours I like to read! They keep me inspired to spending lots of time and money on this hobby. Thanks!

regards,

DJ

[Simon O.]

Excellent work Jean Loup! This is what it's all about, everything we have in our collections has a story to tell.


BTW, when i was in the area a few years ago my wife and i went to Sospel and the area. I guess the maginot line fort you took Marvin to is the same one we went to. I remember the long staircase. St.Roch was it?
We also had a quick look around the area and at the Col de Braus, SW of Sospel i came across an open area of land with mortar pits on a reverse slope and the area covered with US 60mm mortar ammo tube tops. The area was also covered in shrapnel so their seemd to have been a fair bit of fighting in the area.
We also took a look at the impressive fort on Mont Barbonnet where you can see the impact of artillery on it's thick stone walls.

[Allan H.]

Jean-Loup,

I too appreciate getting to see the rare and historic helmet. Thanks for sharing the story. As you well know, these are some of the rarest of the rare when it comes to WWII US helmets.
Allan