Kevin Callen2020-10-14T09:58:18-04:00 Portfolio Description 0 World War I, World War II, Viet Nam A WWII U.S. M-2 “D-Bale” Paratrooper helmet that was worn by Orville S. Martin 3rd Battalion G/505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne. Martin went all the way through WWII starting in Africa through the Italy campaign, Normandy (D-Day), Holland, and Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge). This helmet has the tactical symbol of 3rd Battalion 505th PIR painted on both sides. The black cannon ball with a lion figure was used in the early days. By D-Day they had reduced the symbol (in most cases) to just the black cannon ball. Orville Martin survived the war and was interviewed for Cornelius Ryan’s book “A Bridge Too Far”. An extremely rare Airborne helmet. We are currently searching for a photo of Orville S. Martin of the 505th/82nd AB. If anyone knows of a photo please let us know. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
