Lewis "Chesty" Puller - Guadalcanal 1942

With many of my most requested previous minifigures being based on the battle of Guadalcanal, I've been planning on circling back and examining it again with my current approach of 1:1 representations of real people. This particular minifigure is based off one of few photos showing the famous "Chesty" Puller as a Lieutenant Colonel on Guadalcanal during combat in 1942. 

Having enlisted in the Marine Corps as a private during the waning days of WWI, Lewis "Chesty" Puller would serve in combat throughout the interwar years, earning promotions for his performance during Marine interventions in Haiti and Nicaragua, as well as commanding units of the "China Marines" on peacekeeping duty in Shanghai at the outbreak of WWII. Already renowned as a fierce combat leader, Puller landed with the 7th Marines on Guadalcanal and quickly commenced aggressive combat operations. He would not only be awarded the Bronze Star and his third Navy Cross on Guadalcanal, but also be severely wounded in combat when a Japanese counter attack overran his command post. "Chesty" would continue to serve through the remaining years of WWII, and into Korea, retiring as a Lieutenant General in 1955. 

Utilizing one of few photos taken of Puller in action on Guadalcanal, this figure represents him in the scenario he was most known for; leading from the front. Matching my other recent figures depicting the 7th Marines, he includes the historically correct Marine khaki service uniform, with the collar insignia of a Lieutenant Colonel. His field gear is typical of a Marine officer at the time, with pistol belt, sidearm, canteen, and suspenders. New additions include a leather compass pouch which followed Puller from his service in the 1930s through to Korea, as well as a 1930s vintage Marine map case. These map cases would quickly be replaced with a simplified pattern based on the army design as war production geared up. Matching the photo, I've printed a unique netted helmet with scrim, as prior to the introduction of the camouflage helmet covers, Marines made do with handmade nets and foliage or cut up burlap. The figure is completed with a wrap-around head for the M1 helmet straps secured, and Chesty's signature pipe hanging from his mouth. 

Original Proof Copy - 1 of 1, first complete minifigure out of the printer. Signature by Landon Reimer, serial numbered, and sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork. 

Collectors Edition - Signed by Landon Reimer, serial numbered, and sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork.

Base Model - Complete figure in hand-stamped numbered case inspired by WWII era packaging. Unsealed. This packaging again, is hand-stamped and is not intended to look perfect. 

• Custom printed BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmet with net and burlap scrim
• Custom printed minifigure head with wrap around chinstraps and pipe
• Leather compass pouch
• M1941 pack suspenders
• Marine contract M1936 pistol belt
• Marine contract pistol magazine pouch
• Marine contract officer's map case
• Marine P2 canteen cover with canteen
• Navy N1 "Boondocker" field shoes  
• Inside leg Marine gaiters printing 
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

LEGAL INFO: This is not a LEGO® Product. LEGO and the LEGO minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this product. The LEGO Group is not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.