Do helmets stop bullets?

[Harrifer]

So, we all know when the infantry get they helmets popped off by enemy bullets, but would that bullet have otherwise killed them?

Or is it that the helmet is bigger than their head and so more likely to get hit?

I ask because i always make them go back and get their helmet, just in case. The helmet also takes up room in the inventory, so i figure it must be there for a reason.

Also, do men run slower with more equipment? I haven't raced them yet to find out. ;)

[Sneaksie]

In the game, hit in the head without helmet usually means death, while helmet saves its user. Note however, that helmet in inventory won't do anything - wear it first (drag and drop it on soldier's figure in inventory).
AFAIK, moving speed and equipment weight are independent values.

[Korsakov829]

Alright, so the helmet protects the wearer. I'm wondering though, what if a soldier is wearing a helmet and he gets shot just a little below it, like on the nose.

Do the caps and officer hats work like a regular helmet? A Panzerwaffe Cap looks as if it is only cloth, and will offer no protection.