WWII US Marine Bazooka Team

While armored combat is far less infamous in the Pacific as Europe, the Marine Corps fielded bazooka teams at the company level just like the Army. Generally engaging less armor than their European counterparts, Marine bazooka teams quickly did find use in demolitions work. Brave teams would often find themselves tasked with destroying active enemy pillboxes and fighting positions, as well as mopping up cave entrances. 

Based off the several listed references images, this team is intended to capture how a Marine bazooka team looked late in WWII, namely Peleliu or Saipan. Men tasked with carrying the launcher generally shed their field gear, as they would often stay back from the firefight until called up to engage a target. Uniquely, this figure features the M3 gas mask printed on the head. Seldom seen in wide use due to the lack of gas attacks in WWII, the Marines did find a particular use for them. With the filter and hose cut away, the mask made a great face shield against the heat of the rocket launch, as well as debris kicked up from firing.

Their loader, usually carrying a carbine along with extra rockets, was equipped with a bit more gear to help protect the gunner. In this case, I've opted to depict the loader wearing the Marine Corps summer dress shirt, instead of the standard dungarees. These lightweight cotton shirts, although far less robust, were well liked in the hot conditions, and appeared more throughout the war in combat, as Marines leanred to pack one away for the field instead of leaving them onboard with their seabag. He also comes with some eye protection similar to the gunner, in the form of M1943 dust goggles printed on the helmet. 

To complete the bundle, each team includes a BrickArms Bazooka, printed with the nickname text "Pogey Bait Commando" sourced from one of the original reference images. You often see Jeeps and armored vehicles with stenciled on names, but this is the first time I've seen a Bazooka, generally considered a replaceable, almost throw-away weapon, with a name painted on it. 

This pair would be the perfect fit for your MOC showcasing the unique armored combat in the Pacific, or Marines assaulting Japanese emplacements. 

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 jungle frogskin artwork 
• Custom printed BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmet with M1943 dust goggles
• Custom printed minifigure head 
• Custom printed M3 gas mask head 
• P1941 HBT utility uniform  
• Marine Corps summer service shirt
• White early war USMC undershirt
• Army contract M1936 pistol belt 
• Marine Contract Carbine magazine pouch 
• Marine P2 canteen (2) 
• Jungle first aid kit (2)
• Bundled Bazooka rocket tubes 
• Navy N1 "Boondocker" field shoes 
• Inside leg Marine cuffed dungarees printing 
• Inside leg Marine Leggings printing 
• Inside leg Marine torn dungarees 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.