Civilian Defense Helmets of WWII
Two types of helmets were worn by members of Citizens Defense Corps units during WWII. Initially, WWI-vintage army helmets were reissued and used, but had unit insignia applied. These helmets were either in the original army green or repainted white. Waterslide decals were often applied to the front.
The Office of Civilian Defense (OCD) later manufactured a helmet for use by civilian defense volunteers. These helmets were issued white, and the owner could either apply a decal or paint their service unit insignia to the front. These appear to have been first issued in late 1941 to early 1942.
I am currently looking for more information about the process the OCD adopted regarding the design, manufacture and issue of the later style helmets. If you know more, please drop me a message.
Civilian defense helmet, white with some dirt marks, black rivets
A white, dome-shaped civil defense helmet with a wide base and three liner attachment screws visible around its surface.
A white civil defense helmet with small black ventilation screws for holding liner.
Interior view of a vintage US government civilian defense helmet with a gray liner and chin strap inside.
Close-up of a civil defence helmet with embossed text reading 'U.S. GOVT PROPERTY O.C.D.'