Editing M1 helmet (section)

== Variants ==
;M1
:Standard model introduced in 1941 and issued until 1986. Different alterations were made to the M1's design at various stages of World War II, as well as during the Korean War and Vietnam War, but in general the M1 is the standard helmet of this type.
;M2
:[[Paratrooper]] variant introduced in January 1942. The main difference between it and the M1 is its D-shaped [[Spot welding|spot welded]] bales, as opposed to the M1's rectangular chinstrap bales. The chinstrap of the M2 also has a button snap on the end that allows it to be fastened to the liner. Otherwise, it is identical to the M1.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=HOW TO IDENTIFY US WWII M-1 INFANTRY & M-1C PARATROOPER HELMETS |url=https://toppots.net/blogs/how-to/m1-helmet-identification |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Top Pots - WWII US M-1 Helmets, Liners and Reproduction Uniform Sales |language=en}}</ref>
;M1C
:Improved version of the M2 helmet introduced in January 1945, replacing the M2 as the primary American paratrooper helmet until 1986. The primary difference with the M1C is its four-point "A-yoke" chinstrap with a leather chin cup, designed to support the head and neck and prevent adverse movement during jumps. It uses a belt loop-type connection to secure the chinstrap to the A-yokes, which can be opened or closed from either side and partially removed without tools. Otherwise, the M1C, like the M2, is nearly indistinguishable from the M1.<ref name=":0" />
;M3
:"Flak" variant introduced in December 1943. The M3 was designed for [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[bomber]] crews due to their disdain for the M1, which was uncomfortable with [[headphones]], too large to wear in [[ball turret]]s, and offered inadequate protection to the head against debris and bumps. Based on M1 helmet modifications first made by the [[306th Bombardment Group]] in January 1943, the M3 helmet's most distinctive feature is its hinged steel ear covers lined with felt that protected against anti-aircraft flak and made the helmet compatible with headsets. The shell itself is lined with flocking to prevent the steel from freezing and ensure skin would not stick to it at high altitudes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steel Helmet, M-3 Flak Helmet: US Army Air Force |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30090946 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Imperial War Museums |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Bomber Crew Protection |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1519644/bomber-crew-protection/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117192122/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1519644/bomber-crew-protection/ |archive-date=2025-01-17 |access-date=2025-02-15 |work=National Museum of the United States Air Force |language=en-US}}</ref>
;M5
:Improved version of the M3 flak helmet introduced in February 1945. The M5 lacks the distinct swept brim of the other M1 variants and has deeper form-fitting ear covers. Another unique feature is the chinstraps being clipped to the swivel bails, which eventually became standard on postwar M1s. Some elements were taken from the [[Malcolm C. Grow|Grow helmet]], which was introduced for American aircrews in December 1943 as the M4 helmet.<ref name=":1" />