Football Helmet
- Description
- Army Black Knight football helmet belonging to Carleton Shelley. The tan helmet features a black stripe running front-to-back down the middle and a black metal face mask. Above the front opening is a small decal with printed text that reads "ARMY." A black fabric chin strap attaches to the sides of the helmet. Repeatedly printed on the strap is white text that reads: "BLACK KNIGHTS." Inside the helmet is thick padding. On its back is a small sticker of an American flag, the number "12," and a sticker with text that reads "RANGER." At the base of the helmet, by the neck, is printed text that reads "THE CORPS."
- Historical Notes
On the morning of September 11, 2001, fifth-grader Carlton Shelley II eagerly awaited U.S. President George W. Bush’s visit to his school: Emma E. Booker Elementary in Sarasota, Florida. During the visit, President Bush learned of the attacks. That morning left a lasting impression on Shelley, informing his later decision to join the U.S. Army.
At his fifth-grade graduation, Shelley spoke about how being “one of the 911 class” taught him perseverance, gratitude, and patriotism. He learned that national loyalty was not simply wearing red, white, and blue, but the knowledge that “even if you are Caucasion [sic], African, Chinese, or any race, we come together as Americans.”
Shelley’s memories of service on and after 9/11 motivated his interest in the military as he decided where he wanted to go for college. He played football while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. This was his helmet.
- Accession Number: IL.2025.11.1
- Dimensions: 10 in X 9 1/8 in X 14 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 25.4 cm X 22.86 cm X 35.56 cm
- Credit Line: Courtesy of Carlton Shelley
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