Helmet Graffit

In The Field

Throughout the war, graffiti is seen on the helmets of many GIs regardless of unit or MOS. As the war went on, restrictions laxed and more and more private purchase gear, private alterations, and personal customization can be seen. As a reenactor, graffitiing your helmet is perfectly fine to do, as long as it is done right. Following are a few basic principles to keep in mind.

• Less is more

• It doesn’t take a lot of graffiti to express yourself. Oftentimes graffiti was very minimal on a given helmet. While there are some instances of heavily graffitied helmets being worn, these are rare. We encourage you to think hard about what you want on your helmet and only draw/write what is really important. 

• Avoid Cliches

• How many helmets with 'BORN TO KILL' written on them have you seen at this point? When customizing a helmet, try to avoid cliches as much as possible unless you are basing it off of a real helmet worn by a veteran. Not only will this allow your kit to be more professional and realistic, it also sets you apart from the crowd while keeping your kit accurate.  

• Writing utensils

• Most helmet graffiti was done in pen rather than in permanent marker. While permanent marker was seen and used during the war it was not nearly as available or used by the military as much as black ball-point pens were. 

• Avoid Vulgarities/Crude Content (For Ceremonial Purposes)

• We have all seen pictures of a GI with a pin-up girl or some vulgar language scrolled onto his helmet. While this is often fine for reenacting, we do encourage our members to avoid this on covers that they wish to wear for ceremonial or honors related events. If a member has a helmet with offensive graffiti, they may be asked to take it off before an event. 

• Encouraged Writings

• If you are looking for some ideas that are both unique and accurate, the following is a quick rundown on some popular types of graffiti. 

• Pin-Up girls (avoid blatant nudity, see above section.)

• Hometowns/States/Unit Information/Rank

• Deployment Calendars (ie July 1967, August 1967, September 1967…)

• Song Lyrics 

On-Base

On base there weren’t many differences in restrictions than out in the field, however when war correspondents, photographers, and the American media were taking photographs, heavily graffitied or crudely graffitied helmet covers were to be removed as to not damage the public perception of the war effort.

Helmet Accessories 

In The Field

Many USGI’s wore some of their most commonly used items or decorative items in their helmets, brighter and more colorful items were worn towards the back of the helmet. It should be noted that less is also more when it comes to helmet accessories. More items in your helmet band would make it more likely for you to lose said items. This would also be impractical while in combat.

Some era accurate items to include on your helmet would be as follows:

• Liquid DEET “Bug juice” (clear or subdued bottle)

• C-ration Matches 

• Pack of cigarettes (not recommended) 

• Cigarette butts 

• Era accurate pins (Political, Anti/Pro War, etc.)

• Glasses Cases (USGI Glasses or Sunglasses)

• Religious Items (Crosses, Crucifixes, Necklaces, Trinkets/Jewelry) 

• Ammunition (Magazines)

• Pictures of Loved Ones

• Rank Pins (Moreso for officers, worn on the front of the helmet cover, not on the band)

• USMC Pin (For USMC Impressions, worn on the front of the helmet and poked through the band)

• Foliage, Natural Camo (Especially for combat/recon impressions)  

On-Base 

While on-base, your helmet would not be much different than if you were out in the field. However, you probably would not have as many practical/personal items in the band, as these would be stored next to your bunk. As such, when going for an on-base look, try to limit the items in your helmet band if possible.