WWII US Marine Dog Handler with dog

Dog teams are often associated with modern special operations, but are one of the most overlooked aspects of the US Armed Forces in WWII. Faced with an extreme shortage of trained dogs at the start of the war, the Marine Corps drew desired breeds such as Dobermans and Malamutes directly from volunteer owners across the country. Trained in special War Dog schools, the dogs were assigned the induction rank of Private, and could even outrank their handlers as training progressed. Dog-handler teams were trained either as scouting elements, or message carriers, delivering messages between lines for advancing parties, or in the event communication lines were disrupted. Scout dogs accompanied advance patrols, alerting them to the presence of Japanese troops up to one mile away by scent. This tactic proved increasingly crucial as Japanese defenses evolved to be increasingly dug in and camouflaged. 

This particular figure is based on USMC Corporal Harold Tesch, and his War Dog, Tippy. They served together as a team on Guadalcanal, Guam (pictured) and Iwo Jima. Both survived the war, and contrary to Marine Corps policy to return dogs to their original owner, Harold received Tippy in 1946 by direct request of the owner to General Vandegrift. 

From the artwork side, this figure is rocking a really unique loadout inspired by the photos of Corporal Tesch on Guam. Returning are the Marine Corps contract M1 Carbine pouches, P2 Canteen Carrier, and the M1941 Haversack. I've integrated new artwork for the Frogskin poncho rolled on top of his pack, the M1 Carbine cleaning kit stowed on the side in place of where a bayonet was intended, and the Marine Corps dog tags around his neck, modified with cut-up gas mask hose to act as silencers. Also new is the US Army lightweight gas mask bag and M3 fighting knife in M6 scabbard, both widely issued to Marines late in WWII. 

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

Collectors Edition - Signature by Landon Reimer, sealed plastic collectors slab with Brick Warp artwork. 

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

• BrickArms OD M1 steel pot helmet  
• Custom printed minifigure head with helmet strap prints 
• HBT utility uniform
• Silenced dog tags
• Marine contract pistol belt 
• P2 Marine canteen cover
• M1 Carbine ammo pouch
• Army lightweight gas mask bag
• M3 fighting knife in M6 sheath
• M1941 haversack with shovel 
• Frogskin poncho roll
• M1 Carbine cleaning kit 
• Navy N1 (Boondocker) boots
• Inside leg printing 
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

Information Info: Art and printing by Lando (that’s me!) on genuine factory direct Lego minifigure elements & BrickArms headgear. This is a custom product created independently and not affiliated or endorsed by Lego.