1942 was a momentous year for the development of the "plastic" M-1 helmet liner. The Quartermaster had just inherited responsibility for liner development from the Ordnance Department and was determined to get this new liner into production as quickly as was practicable. Trials and tribulations abound as the Chicago Quartermaster Depot collaborates with civilian manufacturers to make the plastic liner a reality.
A total commitment and willing cooperation between the Army and the civilian firms involved was required, and together they successfully developed methods and techniques to make a totally new product out of materials, the properties of which they did not fully understand, based on specifications that were, at best, tentative, vague, and in a state of constant change.
Regardless of a firm's previous experience or lack thereof, the earnest tenacity demonstrated by their innovative contributions cannot be underestimated. The following facts about the development of liner components represent one such story.
Inspiration
It is amazing to me when creative people are permitted to explore possible solutions to problems without hindrance, and often even more amazing than their solution is the source of their muse.
Garnett C. Skinner, manager of Scholl Manufacturing Company, attended the earliest liner development meetings and was one of the members asked to provide samples of potential solutions to the Army's current liner assembly issues.
Mr. Skinner contributed, in no small measure, to the look and function of the final liner inserts as we know them today. According to the story, he conceptualized the fixed-size headband as a partially leather-clad belt with an adjustment buckle. Later, while smoking a cigarette and fidgeting with a safety-match pack in his other hand, its closure function struck him as the inspiration for creating the spring clip closure he provided with his sample headband for attaching the band to the suspension.
During his flight back from Washington, he was fumbling with his safety belt when the buckle grabbed his attention. He then envisioned a miniature version of this cam lever-style wedge buckle system for use in adjusting the liner’s leather chin strap.
The United Carr Fastener Company conceived and developed another significant advancement in liner design. Their contribution was the advent of the garter stud and loop system, which allowed the liner's chin strap to become replaceable.
So, if Mr. Skinner’s muse was safety-match packs and safety belts, I wonder what Mr. Carr was thinking about? ...
Big Red Says!
FIVE'S OVER - MOVE OUT!
I have always found it compelling about how General George S. Patton Jr. removed his chinstraps from his steel helmet after his aide Captain Hanson, I believe that is what the soldier’s name is, was killed at the Battle of El Geuttar in 1943 when his neck was broken by concussion. I have noticed in pictures and film footage of Patton wearing the steel helmet with the chin straps fastened in North Africa. But starting with the invasion of Sicily in July of 1943 and until the end of the war in Europe they are removed. I know that it was a common practice among United States military personnel to wear the chinstraps fastened around the back of the helmet and also through the Vietnam War. General Patton seems to be, however, the only American soldier to have removed his chinstraps. I am guessing like everything else about him he tried to set himself apart from the rest.
Another great article! You may be in the wrong business!
Thanks with a smile
Lee Caron
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