Blast protection facemask : M-20 Rocket Launcher

Place Asia: Korea
Accession Number REL33780
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Personal Equipment
Physical description Elastic, Metal, Plastic, Rubberised fabric, Wool felt
Maker Unknown
Place made United States of America
Date made c 1950s
Conflict Korea, 1950-1953
Description

Grey rubberised folding cotton facemask with clear plastic eyepieces. The eyepieces are edged with grey felt, and the outer sections each have five small ventilation holes. The mask is retained on the face by a pair of black elastic head straps which are joined by a metal slide. The markings 'CAT. No. B2/B0/8822' are stamped in black on the left edge of the fabric below the strap.

History / Summary

Folding mask designed to protect the face of the wearer from blast produced by the US Army M-20 3.5 inch Rocket Launcher (Bazooka). The mask provided clear vision, while covering the lower part of the face with a loose fitting veil. The shoulder-launched M-20 was a versatile infantry support weapon, widely used by United Nations forces during the Korean War.

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