Souvenir: German M17 Helmet – Battle of the Bulge

This German M17 helmet was recovered by Clifford J. Hockman during the Battle of the Bulge after he witnessed a ‘sniper’ of the 23rd Infantry Regiment fatally shoot a German soldier. The helmet bears a clean bullet hole passing completely through, serving as stark testimony to the violence of the Ardennes campaign.

Following the battle, Hockman shipped the helmet home to his mother, Irene, in Flora, Clay County, Illinois, using a C-ration box. Her name and address remain inscribed on the bottom of the box.

Despite extensive research, we have not yet been able to determine Clifford J. Hockman's specific unit assignment or identify the 'sniper 'of the 23rd Infantry Regiment responsible for the shot.

Nevertheless, this helmet stands as a powerful historical artifact from the 2nd Infantry Division's participation in the Battle of the Bulge.