Kevin Callen2020-10-14T09:54:44-04:00 Portfolio Description 0 World War I, World War II, Viet Nam The M-1 Paratrooper helmet worn by Private Ralph B. Devaney Company H 3/506 PIR 101st Airborne. Private Devaney was killed on D-Day. His IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File) states that he had his jump harness on when his body was exhumed to be sent home. It also says “fractured Skull”. His burial report says he was buried on June 20,1944. All this evidence points to one theory. Devaney jumped too low or had a streamer when he jumped. He fractured his skull and bent this helmet. His body laid in a flooded area and was not found until the 20th. This helmet was found at an aid station near Saint Come Du Mont in Normandy where Devaney’s body was taken when found. Also note the tick mark is at the 3 o’clock position instead of the 9 o’clock position. Many 3rd battalion 506 troopers made this mistake. Period news articles and all information was wrong and we did not know the story until the IDPF was studied. Thanks to Mark Bando for the photo of Devaney. Private Ralph B. Devaney now Rests In Peace in his hometown of Saganaw Michagan and his story is now known and his memory is being honored at The Gettysburg Museum Of History. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
