Military Power

I mean really, does any one know if the helmets were specifically designed to try and deflect at least some hits? To me they just look like stamped metal shaped to fit the head. I was wondering if any real effort was made to make them at least partially effective. Does any one know?

I know from Wikipedia and my father that WW1 helmets couldnt stop bullets (unless the bullet hits it in a small angle) and were mainly to protect the head from flying debris and random objects you dont wanna hit your head.

So, was the only real advantage that of morale? Wearing the helmet made you feel like you were more protected and therefore your morale would improve over those who weren't?

Well...you also have to look at the possible economics of that era. The U.S. Army needed something that could protect the soldier from falling debree, already-deflected bullets, and also they needed something that was cost effective and could easily be mass-produced. Cevlar and tephlon (excuse any spelling mistakes) wasnt developed until the space program took off, correct me if I'm wrong. So the only real thing that the Army had was steel, or whatever material those helmets were made out of.

Now what I'm really curious about is which helmet was better for the soldier: the 'Darth Vader' style Nazi helmet, or the American. If I remember correctly I even think Gunny had a segment on the differences in helmets on Mail Call.

This reminds me of a joke:
Q: "Why are the Moskvitch a good car brand?" (they are, actually)
A: "Because they are made of German helmets"

I'd say the German helmets would probably provide more protection, for the simple fact that they covered more area, and thus protected from more angles.

Maximus the Destroyer wrote:I'd say the German helmets would probably provide more protection, for the simple fact that they covered more area, and thus protected from more angles.

I never thought of how good the German helmets would probably be. Especially from the back of the neck where that lip covers most of the neck of the solider. Did the German helmets have suspension systems in them like American helmets would? So it would absorb more shock and keep the soldiers head from slamming into the metal.

The version M1935 of the Stahlhelm had a completely new leather suspension, or liner, was incorporated that greatly improved the helmet's safety, adjustability, and comfort for each wearer. These improvements made the new M1935 helmet lighter, more compact, and more comfortable to wear than the previous designs.