Stahlhelm

Stahlhelm (plural, Stahlhelme) is German for "steel helmet". The Imperial German Army began to replace the traditional boiled-leather Pickelhaube (spiked combat helmet) with the Stahlhelm during World War I in 1916. The term Stahlhelm refers both to a generic steel helmet, and more specifically to the distinctive (and iconic) German design.

The Stahlhelm, with its distinctive "coal scuttle" shape, was an instantly recognizable icon for military imagery and became a common element of military propaganda on both sides, just like the Pickelhaube before it.

Stahlhelm in Days of Infamy

The Stahlhelm was the standard issue helmet for the Wehrmacht during World War II.

In news reels of German victories in Europe, shown in occupied Hawaii, the German soldiers were easily recognizable because of their helmets.

Stahlhelm in The Hot War

When Gustav Hozzel joined the German Emergency Militia at the outbreak of World War III, he was issued an American styled helmet. He disliked it since it didn't cover as much of his head as the Wehrmacht Stahlhelm but kept it after the Soviets killed in cold blood a few Stahlhelm-wearing militiamen and left swastika placards by the bodies.

Stahlhelm in In the Presence of Mine Enemies

The Stahlhelm was the primary German military headgear in both the Second and Third World Wars.

Stahlhelm in "The Last Article"

Mohandas Gandhi thought that the German soldiers' steel helmets gave them a fiercer appearance than their British counterparts had ever had.

Stahlhelm in The Man With the Iron Heart

Despite its negative connotations, the efficiency of the Stahlhelm, and a shortage of other options, ensured that the design remained common on the heads of native collaborationist police in occupied Germany.

Stahlhelm in Southern Victory

After the Freedom Party came to power in the early 1930s, and began to rearm the Confederacy, they phased out the out the old Brodie Helmets in favor of a newer Coal-Scuttle design.

Stahlhelm in "Topanga and the Chatsworth Lancers"

Bruce Delgado, commander of the Chatsworth Lancers, wore an old World War II Wehrmacht helmet (his grandfather's battle trophy) as part of his homemade battle dress. He had carefully sanded off the swastika since he did not want to send the wrong message about the Lancers.

Stahlhelm in The War That Came Early

The Stahlhelm was the standard issue helmet for the Wehrmacht during World War II.

Stahlhelm in Worldwar

The Stahlhelm was the standard issue helmet for the Wehrmacht during Germany's war against the Race.