BATTLE HELMET OF MAJOR GENERAL HARRY J. COLLINS, 42ND INFANTRY DIVISION, AT THE BULGE AND LIBERATOR OF DACHAU
The World War II M1 helmet owned and worn by Major General HARRY J. COLLINS (1895–1963), the decorated commander of the 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division. The helmet bears fixed bales and front seam, indicating construction prior to October, 1943. It bears a dark green fine sand paint finish which is completely intact and virtually unblemished. Two chromed steel stars have been very carefully soldered or tack-welded at front, with the paint about them slightly heat-discolored in places. They were then touched-up in matching green paint, though much of this has worn-off. The Westinghouse liner likewise bears two stars, painted in now aged and cracked white paint which match Collins' initials "HJC" applied to the left rear of the liner. The same stencil and paint was used to apply his initials in the same location at the rear of the steel shell. Both the leather and canvas chin straps are present, and the liner sweatband and straps are also present and in good to very good condition. Overall fine condition. Also present is a 20" x 20" souvenir banner from Camp Gruber, Ok, where the Rainbow Division was reactivated in 1943. HARRY J. COLLINS was a career Army offcier. After serving in the tail end of the Border Wars with Mexico, an dholding various position in the Army, he was sent to England as an observer when World War II broke out. He then activated the 345th Infantry Regiment at Fort Carson, and was promoted to brigadier general. In April 1943, he assumed command of the 42nd Infantry Division (the famed "Rainbow Division" and was promoted to major general. In December 1944, the division arrived on the Western Front and played a major role in the Battle of the Bulge. The 42nd also liberated Dachau. Collins was so moved by the plight of the prisoners he saw at there, he took extraordinary measures to ensure they immediately received housing, food and medical attention. Collins also appointed a rabbi to served as division chaplain. Both items from the collection of a noted film and television personality who obtained them from a private East Coast collector.