Artifact of the Month
This M1 steel helmet was worn by SGT Bill Hampton of the 572d Transportation Company, the “Gypsy Bandits”.
M1 Helmet - Viet Nam War
SGT Hampton served two consecutive tours in Vietnam, from April 1969 to June 1971.
This M1 steel helmet was worn by SGT Bill Hampton of the 572d Transportation Company, the “Gypsy Bandits”. The helmet cover is adorned with graffiti of the time to include not one, but two short-timers calendars. The helmet still bears the wear and stains of Viet Nam. SGT Hampton served two consecutive tours in Vietnam, from April 1969 to June 1971. One tour in Viet Nam was 13 months long.
The 572d Transportation Company itself served in Viet Nam for almost eight years, from November 1966 to March 1973, as a medium truck cargo unit. They ended up being the last American truck company to leave the Republic of Vietnam.