The US Navy Mk II talker helmet was a combat helmet used by the US Navy from the Second World War and into the 1980s.[3] [4]

History

In 1942, the US Navy decided to commission a special helmet for sailors posted on decks and tasked with transmitting orders by sound-powered telephone. The new helmet was to protect "exposed deck personnel" and accommodate a telephone headset; furthermore, it had to be usable while wearing a gas mask and binoculars.[2]

The helmet was made of non-magnetic Hadefield manganese steel.[3] Designated "USN MK-2",[4] was at the time the largest helmet ever used in US service. [2]

Gallery

  • The US Navy Mk II talker helmet, worn by the sailor in the rear-center of the image; The two sailors in the foreground wear the M1 helmet
    The US Navy Mk II talker helmet, worn by the sailor in the rear-center of the image; The two sailors in the foreground wear the M1 helmet
  • Modern Mark 4 talker helmet
    Modern Mark 4 talker helmet
  • Modern talker helmet worn by a gunner
    Modern talker helmet worn by a gunner

References

  1. ^ a b c d "The Price of Freedom: Navy Talker's Helmet". amhistory.si.edu. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
  2. ^ a b c d "USN Talker Helmet - TALKER'S HELMETS [REF]". U.S. Militaria Forum. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
  3. ^ a b c Gentile, Mannie (2015-03-20). "Mannie Gentile: Combat Helmets of the 20th Century: US Navy Mk II talker helmet". Mannie Gentile. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
  4. ^ a b "US NAVY TALKER HELMET - PROTECTION FOR THE NERVES OF THE SHIP". A War to be Won. 2016-07-27. Retrieved 2019-10-28.

External links