WW2 helmet markings?

[Irish soldier]

hello all, can anyone help me out with the meaning of the various helmet markings on US helmets during world war 2? what did the white strip either vertical or horizontal on the back of the helmet signify? the best i could figure is that vertical signified an officer? also what were the various other symbols like the ace of spades on the side to represent?
any information is much appreciated, thanks

[cutestuftwo]

i am sry i can not help you with this ,i am so bad i am trying to learn the military symbols myself,and having hard time with it but if i find out i sure will post it here right away,i have a uncle who is in a popular book on ww2 he is pictured in there and a chapter writen on him,i will see if i can find the name and answers to you question
LYNN

[Bronco1986]

the spade(506th PIR), heart(502nd PIR),and club(501st PIR), painted on the side of the helmet were used to identify the 3 different Parachute Infantry Regiments of the 101st Airborne during WW2.

The Army Rangers had a diamond on the back of thier helmets, I think they were orange...the number inside the diamond identified the battalion.

A horizontal line on the back of the WW2 M1 Helmet signified a non-comissioned officer, a vertical line signified an officer. This was done, if I recall correctly, so that officers and nco's could be clearly identified and followed by their soldiers when they were leading from the front.

Thats about all I know about that.

[danvan18]

Originally Posted by Bronco1986

the spade(506th PIR), heart(502nd PIR),and club(501st PIR), painted on the side of the helmet were used to identify the 3 different Parachute Infantry Regiments of the 101st Airborne during WW2.

The Army Rangers had a diamond on the back of thier helmets, I think they were orange...the number inside the diamond identified the battalion.

A horizontal line on the back of the WW2 M1 Helmet signified a non-comissioned officer, a vertical line signified an officer. This was done, if I recall correctly, so that officers and nco's could be clearly identified and followed by their soldiers when they were leading from the front.

Thats about all I know about that.

actually, the Club was the 327th GIR (glider infantry regiment). the 501st was Diamonds, the 502nd Hearts, and the 506 was Spades.

the Rangers had a horizontal orange/yellow diamond with a black battalion number.

also, the lines on the back of the helmets to signify NCO and Officer were there for 2 reasons. first, like you said, to let their guys identify their CO or Platoon leader during battle, but most importantly, to signify a higher rank, while not showing any actual rank, which would make them a target for Germans to take out.