The Most Famous U.S. Helmet in History

The American M1 helmet is one of the most recognizable helmets of the modern era. Created mid world war 2 to replace obsolete M1917 helmets used by US forces, it's effective and easy to manufacture design made it the main combat helmet of the US military for more than 40 years. These helmets traveled all over the world, protecting the heads of soldiers of numerous countries, they have seen combat in almost every armed conflict of the 20th. century and some even saw usage in 21st. century battlefields.
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[@bungscrung3337]

One small note, the part about bombs exploding and creating overpressure which would break a soldier's neck if they wore their chinstraps was a myth that spread about in the military in WW2. Now, the part about an enemy grabbing the helmet is a whole other thing.

[@eNoble-US]

While the enemy grabbing the helmet may be a real thing, it's important to note that if an enemy sneaks up behind you, which already has a extremely low chance in real combat, the least of your worries will be whether he will grab your helmet or not. Because A, he's already behind you unnoticed. B, he probably at a minimum, has a rifle, entrenching tool, and a bayonet. C, the enemy probably won't even consider grabbing your helmet and will either shoot you, stab you, or bludgeon you with an entrenching tool, or buttstroke you with his rifle. TLDR: If the enemy is behind you unnoticed, the least of your concerns will be if he will grab your helmet or not, chinstrap fastened or unfastened. The last thing the enemy will think before attacking you is "wait, is his chinstrap done or undone?"

[@chris.3711]

@@eNoble-US It pertains to less about the sneak aspect and more about general hand to hand combat. It's something that could be grabbed in a grapple and jerked around, cover your eyes, etc. It all came down to having no weapon and the enemy having something to grab to throw you off your end of the fight.

[@m1a1abramstank49]

@@chris.3711 Hand to hand combat contributed to a very small portion of World War 2 in retrospect to the wider conflict

[@eNoble-US]

@@chris.3711 Right, which the chances of you losing your helmet while maneuvering due to not wearing a chinstrap is immensely higher than the possibility of seeing hand to hand combat, my point still stands. Erwin Rommel quoted it best, the man who wins in close combat is the man who has an extra round in his magazine. Hand to Hand combat almost never occurs.

[@yankeesforlife24]

Exactly and this myth was very common as well. Most soldiers in Europe whore it without the chin strap while most In Asia did wear them. You see plenty of war footage with soldiers wearing them unbuckled and tied behind their helmet

[@ponraul1221]

It’s impressive for how long the M1 Helmet was used. You can can see US Army training videos as late as 1991 showing recruits using them and even a few American soldiers in Operation Desert Storm wearing it with Six-Color Desert camouflage covers.

[@linkieloos]

M1 Helmet M1 Garand M1 carbine M1 bazooka M1 thompson M1 flamethrower M1 Howitzer 240mm God that's a long list of WWII m1s

[@rockeymarykateblunt29]

M1 mean first model that's it.

[@eNoble-US]

Technically if theres an M anything, theres an M1. M1 means "Model One", designation. So Model One Helmet, Model 1 Garand, Model 1 Armored Car, Model 1 Tank, etc.

[@rockeymarykateblunt29]

Do you know where to buy M1 helmet any idea?

[@fishyfish6050]

M1 abrams

[@jiveassturkey8849]

@@rockeymarykateblunt29 most army/navy stores have them. I’m looking at mine right now lol.

[@nightmaretrooper5064]

My family and I still have my Grandfather's old 2 M1 Combat Helmets from his time in WW2. I remember bringing it to School as soon as I put it on? All the kids were dropping their jaws and I kept getting alot of admirations.

[@autism_tactical6195]

You guys should do more of these helmet videos, would make a good series

[@imgvillasrc1608]

I would definitely love to watch a video on US experimental helmets.

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Yeah, I’d love to see something like this on the Adrian

[@Orca19904]

I would be interested in a video on the M1's successor, the PASGT or K-pot helmet.

[@OutnBacker]

The high center of gravity was a real thing, causing the helmet to mostly rotate forward, over the eyes. The British partrooper helmet eliminated this problem by adding a second strap, fastened at the rear rim, then connecting to the front strap. There is some evidence that the Roman mainz style helmets also had this feature - possibly to prevent an enemy from shoving the helmet down over the eyes of the legionary. Of all the battle helmets ever created in history, the US, M-1 and the Roman mainz types were probably the most brilliant designs ever.

[@thurin84]

a few issues. there were numerous changes throughout the helmets lifespan. the 1st major being the replacement of fixed non movable bales for bales that swiveled in late 1943. some minor changes would be the seam of the rim being moved from the front to the back, and the rim material being changed from stainless steel the manganese steel. the next major change, when helmet production resumed in 1951 the size of the shell was reduced about .25" to reduce weight and the chinstraps were no longer sewn on but attached with metal clips 1st used on the m3 and m5 flak helmets. the liner changed a few times as well. but the material was changed from cotton to nylon, not the other way around.

[@Tax_Collector01]

Interesting fact: The Dutch M34 helmet and its derivatives has the same or similar pretty curves as the American M1 helmet, but with a cone-like shape shell that gives it sloped geometry and a large skirt that flares out at the back.

[@Badbhoys]

My favourite helmet of all time ! The look,feel even smell of original m1’s are amazing

[@DSS-jj2cw]

I wore this helmet during my 1980s service in the regular army . I think it was more comfortable than the Kevlar helmet I wore later on in the reserves.. You could just wear the liner for light duty and use the helmet proper to shave with.

[@levitogaming9632]

Please do another video like this on the M40 Stahlhelm! Would love to see how it was designed because to me its one of the cooler looking gear during WW2

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Better shrapnel protection. That's why. That's why most modern armies of today field similar designs.

[@hangmanmatt2598]

I own a German M65 Stahlhelm, a licensed copy used by the Bundeswehr until the 1990s. It is the early version featuring the standard two point chinstrap but am in the process of acquiring the updated version which has a three point chinstrap.

[@timdye1950]

The M1 was one of the best helmet designs of all time, U.S. forces used it from the 40s to the 80s

[@asiangaming8409]

Eh I think the stalheim is a better helmet

[@Jack-Hands]

@@asiangaming8409 yes. But after WW2 most European armies decided to adopt the M1 because of the Stahlhelms somewhat negative reputation.

[@asiangaming8409]

@@Jack-Hands I mean Argentina uses them

[@Jack-Hands]

@@asiangaming8409 more German "things" besides helmets went to Argentina after the war. But look at modern helmets. Most are based on the Stahlhelm, not the m1. In the end the Stahlhelm was the better design.

[@asiangaming8409]

@@Jack-Hands I was actually gonna say that but I was too lasy too lol

[@mardiffv.8775]

Fun fact: the M1 US helmet looked very similar to the M33 Italian helmet. The latter inspired the Soviets to develop their new helmets in WW2.

[@thurin84]

not really that similar. the similarity is more due to form following function than anything else.

[@nursestoyland]

Also, the stalhelm is based off the modem helmets we use today!

[@randomtexanguy9563]

@@nursestoyland other way around

[@nursestoyland]

@@randomtexanguy9563 huh?

[@chipmunkhunt]

I still have one of these helmets. Hated it and was glad when we switched to the Kevlar helmet.

[@swamp-donkey7840]

I have one of these helmets. I really wanted one from the Vietnam war but bought one from (what I think) is WW2 era. It’s beat up and has dents but I love my M1 helmet.

[@Trappedinatriangle]

The only other person ive ever heard mention using the M1 helmet as a latrine was a Tanker talking about being stuck in his tank for days....... Great job!

[@reekyl4487]

I was looking around my new house in the middle of nowhere today and I found a slightly rusted m1 american ww2 helmet. The parts where the chin straps join together had long rusted away and it had a huge scratch in the side. Which I assume is either from a Japanese bayonet or katana. I don't know who's it is but it was just there

[@Trey_816]

I have an M1 helmet, and I can confirm that it has a high center of gravity and it is pretty wobbly. I have to have a hand on it to keep it from falling when I'm wearing it at reenactments or when I'm playing airsoft.

[@diefreikorps9754]

Another great video from simple history! speaking of this helmet, I got one coming in about a week

[@Trey_816]

I have my grandfather's M1 helmet that he wore in Vietnam.

[@Khornecussion]

To me, the Stahlhelm made by Germany is still one of the sleekest, nicest looking helmet designs despite hardly doing anything much like the standard American M1

[@manicmechanic448]

He came in to town with big iron on his head. Big iron on his head.

[@georgebenta3435]

4:21 this only happens if the helmet suspension is properly adjusted to the wearer's head, If adjusted correctly, the helmet will not bounce around.

[@itsalmostfun8567]

i love this second channel as how i love the first one 3 or 4 years ago not sure it was that much years

[@johncataloni8552]

Should have used a ww2 helmet and liner to show what they used during the war instead of a Vietnam era helmet and liner

[@vonsopas]

Amazing video! As a steel lid enthusiast and collector this is really appreciated

[@NightspeakerR]

The M1 Helmet always looked so humane during WW2 for some reason which gave me some positive vibes and even gave me a reason to look for one, while today's helmets look so.. Inhumane which gave me the disgusting feeling of breaking inhalf, I always found comfort with a M1 helmet than the modern helmets in the U.S which these helmets will always be ingrained in my head as a good model and a good looking helmet

[@toonbat]

We tend to associate roundness and soft curves with gentleness and friendliness. The ridges and the blockiness of modern helmets might have valid ergonomic and technical reasons, but they do sacrifice that 'good guys' look in the process.

[@ponraul1221]

It’s still the best looking helmet in my opinion.

[@NightspeakerR]

@@toonbat Basically!-

[@NightspeakerR]

@@ponraul1221 Definitely

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

Some weird mental stuff you got going on my dude.

[@chris.3711]

I have an M1 helmet and it certainly is something. Mine sits low and I am constantly adjusting it. It's cool, but I think the Germans really had it down when it came to helmets.

[@yemannwaiphyo8817]

So much so that the current U.S armed forces Helmets are just Stahlhelm with minor tweaks, honestly. the Ballistics properties, protection of Neck and while keeping the peripheral vision range to a maximum etc.

[@mardiffv.8775]

The American military was aware that the German Stahlhelm was superior, but chose the M1 helmet for recognition purposes. During the trial period, there was a German helmet proposal. Which was rejected. For the same reason camouflage smocks were forbidden after the Normandy landing. The smocks lead to GI's shooting at GI's. TIP: put an old piece of underwear or t-shirt between the webbing and the top. No more adjusting. I did the same 30 years ago during my draft days in the Dutch army.

[@ponraul1221]

What version is yours? I have a 1980s Grenada-era paratrooper M1 helmet and it fits higher on me (though I do have a taller than average head). The suspension system in it dates to 1986.

[@mardiffv.8775]

@@ponraul1221 Sorry, I turned in my M1 helmet in 1993, at the end of my Dutch Army days.

[@Teufer2]

What is quite funny though is that the german Stahlhelm is based on the late medieval helmet of the "german sallet". Meaning the "ideal" helmet shape was already around for 500 years when the americans replaced the M1 helmet with the Stahlhelm design. They probably could have saved a lot of ressources and lives by just open a medieval history book instead of experimenting with their own designs. On the other hand. I think it was the right choice for WW2 to use a helmet that does not look like the ones of the enemy. For propaganda reasons and to reduce friendly fire.

[@Larry660]

I was issued one of these when I was in a tactical control squadron in Germany in 1984.

[@HistoryMonarch1999]

For some reason the M1 is so hard to draw

[@brendanmatelan2129]

Feel like I need to say this. The M1’s liner was changed in the 1960s, featuring a newer liner made of Nylon. During WW2 and Korea, the liner was made from resin impregnated cotton cloth. Pretty sure he got those two liners mixed up. Since he said it was changed from Nylon to Cotton, instead of the other way around.

[@demetripetrenko2783]

Hey SH!!! I really like these live action videos, i much prefer these over the animated ones your narrator makes it even more immersive! i hope i can see more!!!

[@ryerye5855]

After all these years its finally out

[@johnking6406]

By the Numbers: 1. I wore this helment in the 1980s (it was still issued in the Army until 1985). I do not recall it "flopping around" while running with it. Also the video ITSELF shows soldiers running with the helmet without having to hold it in place with one hand. 2. The story about leaving the chin strap un-fastened is controversial and thought to be a myth by many. Though TRUE soldiers at the time BELIEVED this, and fastened their chin straps to the back, there is NO actual reports of soldiers dying because of "overpressure" in the helmet from nearby bomb blasts. 3. Though NOT WISE, it is doubtful that artillery spotters could have seen Gen. Buckner's silver stars at those distances - even with binoculars. More likely, some forward observer saw a group of U.S. soldiers, called it in, and the rest was an unfortunate loss.

[@sirxavior1583]

@4:55. Cool welding mask...looks like a Halloween costume.

[@Princess_Celestia_]

I got me an M1, it's a damn fine helmet for mine exploring.

[@jackstecker5796]

When I was working for a police department, we had a labor dispute between a local textile mill, and their labor force, about, I want to say, 2002. Anyway, the brass was concerned there might be a riot. A couple of days later, there was a mysterious "midnight donation" of about 20 PASGT/ K-POT helmets. I was amused, because each helmet had a little instruction sheet stating that, "this helmet is not to be exposed to open flame, nor to be used for cooking or washing." A few years after that, the town water tower was having corrosion problems, and another mysterious box with manganese or magnesium anodes (dont remember which), with National Stock Numbers cast into them, showed up at the highway garage in the middle of the night. Someone had the fix in.

[@MidnightMoon2267]

I have 9 M-1s ranging from WW2 to The 70s. One is a repro though with an 80s liner and the other is a euroclone.

[@schlirf]

Loved my old steelpot brainbucket.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Nicely informative video

[@SvenneSnackar]

For me the ww1 german helmet will allways be my favorite

[@gi0993]

7:48 Nepalese peacekeeping soldier from Nepal Army engaged in UN peacekeeping mission. Just said it for someone if they are wondering who he is in this part of video.

[@tcapo514]

99°F°C Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 11% Wind: 5 mph New River, AZ Sunday 2:00 PM Sunny

[@dtbredhalf5823]

I've had them on... i'm official too ❤️😊..13Bravo🖤💪🏾

[@huntclanhunt9697]

There's a lot of variants of the M1 helmet.

[@stevethomas5849]

Was there a different profile to the M1 from Vietnam to 1983 as it appeared smaller .

[@Andrew08893]

Love your vids

[@noahsagutch8314]

One size fits all

[@charlessmith9903]

The overpressure and fact an enemy could sneak up on me and slit my throat is why I wore my modern combat helmet unbuckled.

[@justeliashere]

Still wish we stuck with the m1 design and just put an NVG mount on it

[@rileywalke6382]

Hey simple history please can you do a video about the centurion tanks 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@khantzaw2450]

Those helmet were also used in ww2, Korean war and Vietnam war which were used by S.Korea and S.Vietnam but still the S.Korea Military Police is still were M1 helmet.

[@kenc9236]

Oh I remember the helmet in minus 27 with ice on it. Good times.

[@daverose8082]

The British Brody helmet was built to the same design as Derbyshire lead miners leather helmets. The British Army needed a quick solution to the helmet problem and this was to hand. No other military helmet came close to the protection and ease of production at the time. Of course the American Army would take it up.

[@Riceball01]

FYI, Kevlar is just a brand name for a form of aramid.

[@tsarbomb_chan2537]

What happened to your videos? Did YT began hiding historical videos again?

[@dontran391]

Compare that US M1 Helmet to the USSR's SSh-40 helmet, both are almost similar in design.

[@Princess_Celestia_]

Ummmm.... yeah.... it will rock like that, until you tighten the webbed padding inside the liner to fit your head more snuggly. Mine rocked like that until I messed around with the padding, now it doesn't rock.

[@garyacker7388]

I still have mine from 1965 . I didn't like wearing them they don't stay where they're supposed to.

[@strickersniper7909]

Now the ihps is the newest helmet in the army

[@yoshisampson_yt8349]

we have a helmet like that my grandpa does exept it has a eagle on the helmet and he has a axis helmet cus his both his dads were in ww2

[@joetruth5924]

My father served in the European theatre during WWII. He always boiled water in his for bathing and shaving. By the time the war was over his was burnt black.

[@stupidhead6879]

realized this is a 2nd channel 2 minutes into the video

[@nostradamusofgames5508]

Why is there a 2nd Simple History channel? Did they get banned from their original one?

[@lokey2346]

Japan still use the m1 helmet somewhat. Not as combat helmet but almost like a construction helmet

[@yeetissheetsfoot60]

If this is true.... Then that is cool

[@HaakonTheViking]

The helmet you show as a US m1917a has the Norwegian coat of arms on it, "the Norwegian lion"

[@bigiron383]

I need a leather front strap for a Vietnam era helmet

[@lkhagwadorj]

now make video about soviet ssh helmet

[@jiveassturkey8849]

I have one of these that I keep around for tornadoes. I live in a tornado ally.

[@svenneff]

The notion that the Stahlhelm was more expensive to produce seems somewhat ridiculous considering the two piece design of the American helmet.

[@tomhenry897]

Look at the picture of how many steps it took to produce one

[@wheelman1324]

The chinstrap breaking the neck is a myth

[@itsalmostfun8567]

3D dammn unexpected

[@CMDRFandragon]

The ECH can stop bullets

[@twoletters9257]

Doesn’t the ROK Military use M1 copies that are actually ballistic rated?

[@pyeitme508]

Wow cool 😎

[@Mavericka96]

I hate how modern helmets are shaped like the German stalhelm

[@seagle8042]

Any teenagers here who also collect military helmets?

[@ethanbiglefthand3476]

Yep got one

[@redaug4212]

M1 Helmet > PASGT Helmet

[@rjglennon2219]

I thought the Vietnam helmet was more stylish

[@luciochambisoria1121]

Awesome 👏👏👏👍

[@capricorn8278]

She nicest helemet was the M35 of Germany!

[@KingDragonBoyPrime1998]

My great grandfather was ww2 veteran he died by one of the Japanese spies

[@sgauden02]

Who wishes they still used this helmet?

[@paulcunningham2859]

Nice

[@Rugia-ox7hx]

Like how many American helmets were there? This is the only one.

[@huntclanhunt9697]

The overpreasure thing is a complete lie. It was a rumor, but was proven untrue. Troops did wear them unbuckled though because of the rumor, and because the chinstrap itches if you haven't shaved.

[@user-gb4ge2kj2t]

Cool

[@dentaldepartment3681]

Like the Philippines

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

If the factoid about explosions causing neck injuries via the chin strap were true for the M1 helmet then it would be true of every military helmet. You guys seriously need to delete that part of the video.

[@fbksfrank4]

lol 😂, also the group on the battlefield not doing anything is a sign of the U.N

[@Panzerspahwagen_1]

Jarhead

[@nikko3793]

Not political but I think RN the most famous helmet is the stalhelm, it's popular among kids, the design was copied by the pasgt and it looks awesome

[@h.e.c.umarine5457]

These folks need to learn how to put on a helmet cover cause that was just terrible

[@gordenhenry8777]

giga boo jeffery

[@hellomoto1426]

And India also

[@blackshep8988]

The German m39 is superior

[@yunassaxer7119]

🐴🐎

[@marco529]

The best helmet of WW2 was the Russian Ssh 40.

[@iamstewpit6740]

Actually the best helmet of WW2 was the one used by the Germans. It was the most effective one in the war which is why we copied it's design for future helmets.

[@HeinzGuderian_]

If I had a choice, I'd have stayed with the M1. In fact, I did when they were first being swapped out for the original crappy kevlar hat. The M1 was useful in so many ways that the kevlar and all of it's subsequently versions still haven't done. Any protective head gear that cracks in half when you drop it is worthless. The new helmets are just awful. Considering they weigh the same, there was never a reason for changing them, other than someone got a big payoff for doing it.

[@cattledog901]

The current ACH helmet is lighter, more comfortable, has a better suspension system and is more protective against small arms and fragments than the M1 and no they don't "crack when dropped" I've seen them thrown around and abused by soldiers daily. You literally have no clue what you are talking about, there are plenty of reason we have moved to modern helmets made with modern materials, has nothing to do with getting "paid off". Try to know some actual facts before embarrassing yourself again clown.

[@HeinzGuderian_]

@@cattledog901 actually I do. I just retired from the Army. That helmet was straight garbage. The M1 weighed just under 3 pounds including liner and strap. The ACH weighs 2.5 pounds. Your chicken neck may be able to tell the difference in a few ounces but men can't. Try shoulder shrugs. Neither are designed to stop a bullet. At no time did the manufacturers of the M1 have to refund any $$ back to the US Govt. It was a solid design for 40+ years. Every kevlar iteration has had $$ refunded back to the Govt in large sums due to it's flaws. The latest one was in 2019 and cost the manufacturer $19,000,000. Let me know when your circus is in town.

[@tomhenry897]

Early production problems and subcontractors

[@tomhenry897]

And no substandard helmets were turned in

[@HeinzGuderian_]

@@tomhenry897 correct. Those crappy helmets were still being used.