Combat Helmet

PeriodCirca 1940 - 1945

Place MadeU.S.A.

MediumSteel, canvas, cotton, leather

Dimensions9 × 11 in. (22.9 × 27.9 cm)

ClassificationsMilitary Artifacts

Credit LineGift of Walter G. Denise, 1964

Object number2022.522.1

DescriptionA man's World War II era combat helmet, of molded steel painted drab olive green. The helmet retains its interior liner of canvas strap webbing to support the helmet atop the wearer's head, along with a woven cotton sweatband lining strip. The helmet's brown leather chin strap is attached at the left and right sides of the helmet interior.
NotesWalter George Denise was born on 21 November 1921 in Osnabruck, Germany. His birth surname was Kingen. In 1925, four-year-old Walter was sent to the United States. There he was adopted by Tunis and Elnora Denise. Walter grew up on the Denise family farm, founded in 1712 along Dutch Lane Road on the outskirts of Freehold. The Denises maintained a substantial apple orchard and also grew produce, including tomatoes, watermelons, and cantelope. Although originally raised in the Dutch Reformed faith, Denise became a Christian Scientist and was instrumental in founding the Church of Christ Scientist congregation, with a house of worship located on Main Street in Freehold. Denise attended Freehold High School and was on the wrestling team as well as the Agricultural Club. After Pearl Harbor, Denise enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the 2324th Infantry Regiment. During his war years, Denise was awarded three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and a Combat Infantryman's Badge. Due to his battlefield leadership, Denise was recommended for officers training and was commissioned a Lieutenant. After returning to Freehold, Denise attended Rutgers University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. Denise continued to operate the family farm. Post-war issues plagued Monmouth County's agricultural economy, and eventually Denise sold the property. Denise was deeply interested and active in the Freehold area. He served on the Board of Education and the Borough Zoning Board; was a president of the local Rotary Club and the Western Monmouth YMCA; and a member of the Monmouth Grange of Wemrock. After selling the family farm, Denise became a realtor, often focusing on agricultural property in and around the Freehold area. He served as president of the Monmouth County Board of Realtors and in 1980 received the community service award from the New Jersey Association of Realtors. Denise remained an active veteran and in 1993 received the State of New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. Denise married Marilyn Irene Hoag in 1948. The couple had one son, Tunis C. Denise (1950-1993). In March of 1997, Walter Denise was interviewed for the Rutgers Oral History Archives Project. His interview provides fascinating glimpses of Freehold both pre- and post-War, particularly where the region's agricultural history is concerned. It can be accessed at https://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/images/PDFs/denise_walter.pdf.

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