Original U.S. WWII Paratrooper D-Day Normandy Invasion Clip On Luminous Disc Helmet Marker

Original Item: Only One Available. In advance of the Normandy Invasion on June 6th, 1944, luminous discs were issued to American paratroopers so they could be identified easily by friendly troops. Typically fixed to the back of the M1 helmet by fastening to the helmet net, tied onto webbing or stitched onto the inside of the M42 jump jacket collar at the back so the wearer could pull his collar up to reveal the luminous disc. Designed to be used when moving at night so the soldier could keep an eye on the man in front.

Composed of radium it has long since “burned out” the Zinc Sulfide, however as the half-life of Radium is 1600 years, these disks remain essentially as active as when they were made in 1943. They glow brightly under UV light. Incredibly, when viewed in total darkness, these disks still emit a very faint eerie bluish green glow with exposure to UV as seen in the photo.

Overall condition is good and shows age and use, with some oxidation on the backside. The reverse side is marked POISON INSIDE and is complete with mounting clip. There is a good bit of oxidation on the back of the piece that could possibly use some treatment. This example does not retains its original pouch.

Comes ready for further research and display.