KENNETH O. MALMSTROM
JEFFRIS, WISCONSIN 1923–2009
- Branch of service
- United States Army
- Primary military occupation
- Wireman
- Highest rank achieved
- Technician Fifth Grade
- Dates of service
- January 1943 – 1945
- Wartime unit
- Headquarters Company, 347th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division
- Campaign awards
- Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, Central Europe
Why might this helmet have PFC insignia and Tec/5 Insignia? The original owner of this helmet acquired it from the estate of a fellow wireman in HQ/347, Richard Harbison, whose highest rank was PFC. Certainly, their equipment had been mixed up at some point.
As seen in a few other examples in the museum, this helmet remains caked in mud.
The 347th Infantry's Headquarters Company used a yellow circle as a tactical marking. Rarely are 87th tactical markings seen on helmet shells, and this one was evidently removed by Tec/5 Malmstrom. The Tec/5 insignia was also subdued by removal of white paint.
Another laundry number inside the liner that does not match to either soldier this helmet is identified to. This helmet had at least three owners.
There is some continuity in the type of paint used on both of these 87th Division helmets as can be seen in this side by side comparison.
Both helmets also have non-factory chinstrap stitching.