US Model 1917 steel helmet painted with the {Indian Head/Red Patch} symbol of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. The Marine Corps {Eagle, Globe, and Anchor} pin has been affixed to the front of the helmet through a period correct roughly punched hole. Item features a leather chin strap, suspension, and sweat band secured with rivets. Item retains the rear seam spot welded edge. Activated on May 25, 1917, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines fought in the climactic final battles of World War I, distinguishing themselves in the battles of Aisne, Second Battle of the Marne, Battle of St. Mihiel, and the Meuse Argonne Offensive. In particular, they spearheaded the assault on Hill 142 in the midst of the Battle of Belleau Wood, crossing a wheat field raked by German machine gun fire to reach their objectives. Afterward, the Marines continued to menace German positions, eventually pushing them out of Belleau Wood. The unit remains active to this day, and continues to honor the generation that established their fearsome reputation in 1917.