Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Join!
    • Varnum Continentals Marching Militia
    • Varnum Continentals Membership
  • Donate
  • About
    • History of the Varnum Continentals
    • About James Mitchell Varnum
    • Officers of Corporation and Board of Trustees
  • Event Rentals
    • Event Rentals at the Varnum Memorial Armory
  • Museums
    • Featured Museum Exhibits
    • Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
      • Tour the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
    • Varnum House Museum
      • Tour the Varnum House Museum
      • Colonial Yuletide Event at the Varnum House Museum Returns!
    • Book a Museum Tour
    • EVENT SPACES FOR RENT
  • Feature Articles
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • Renew Your Membership!
  • Join the Varnums!
  • Make a Donation!
  • Book a Tour!
  • EVENT SPACES FOR RENT
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet

September 12, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

This bullet-struck World War II U.S. Marine helmet shows that a bullet entered through the rear, passed through the cover, liner, and shell, and then exited at the front rim. It is unknown if the owner was killed, wounded, or wasn’t wearing it at the time. Based on one researcher, the helmet was most likely used at Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and/or Okinawa.

What’s left of the cover retains the original red painted circle on rear, denoting Shore Party duty. The shell and liner both exhibit their red painted square tac marks (also denoting Shore Party). Shore Party forces marked routes inland, organized the beach, directed units and supplies to the front, and controlled stragglers and prisoners.

As the Marine Corps could not find enough engineers and other personnel quickly enough to suit their needs, five Naval Construction Battalions (“Seabees”) were eventually transferred to the Corps to augment their engineer regiments in the Shore/Beach Party role.

This exhibit is on loan and on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.


Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



Make a Donation!

We’re a private nonprofit organization receiving no state or federal funding. We depend on your donations to support out valuable work to preserve U.S. history and support our two museums. MAKE A DONATION TODAY!


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory, World War II

Colonial Yuletide Event at the Varnum House Museum Returns!

November 28, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Celebrate General James Mitchel Varnum’s 275th Birthday at the Varnum House Museum’s Colonial Yuletide Open House (Sunday, December 17, 2023)

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

Recent Posts

  • Colonial Yuletide Event at the Varnum House Museum Returns!
  • [FREE LECTURE] “German Soldiers in Rhode Island, 1776 to 1779” by Dr. Friederike Baer
  • [EVENTS] Old Colony History Museum in Taunton, MA, host two events of interest to Varnums and history buffs

Search

Copyright © 2023 Varnum Continentals || Log in