WWII helmets and ammo

[MEBuckner]

@silenus

You can tell by the design what the major threat was to a helmet-wearer. The WWI Tommy helmet was designed to give protection from shrapnel coming from above, as would be encountered in trench warfare. The Fritz model worn by US troops today reflects the change in approach, to protect the neck and sides of the head from incoming fragments.

And of course 19th Century German helmets were designed to protect against paratroopers.

[Quercus]

And just so you know why they went to the trouble of a non-bulletproof helmet, I believe studies showed that in WWII, shrapnel wounded more GI’s than bullets did.

[DrCube]

@Paul in Saudi

The modern armor crewman is dashing in CVC (Crew, Vehicular, Communication?) helmet.

Combat Vehicle Crewman.

[smiling_bandit]

As a side note, even if the helmet might stop a rifle round, or at least deflect it, the soldiers in Saving Private Ryan targeted with heavy machine gun emplacements. Even if the bullet somehow magically failed to break the skin, I think the impact might kill you.