WWII US Marine Machine Gun Team - Peleliu 1944

In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu this month, I wanted to at least offer one figure commemorating this hard fought and contentious battle. Simultaneously, a Marine machine gunner has been one of my most requested designs. I settled on this famous image of Marine Pfc. Douglas Lightheart and Pfc. Gerald Thursby Sr. taking cover during mopping up operations on Peleliu on September 15, 1944.

Matching the photo, Lightheart is wearing the standard Marine P1941 HBT dungarees with pack and poncho. As a machine gunner, he's requisitioned, begged, borrowed, or stole an issue Machete to help clear brush for fields of fire. As a machine gunner, I've also added an M1911 in a holster on his hip as was standard issue to gunners when not carrying a carbine. Thursby doesn't appear to be carrying a pack, but I have included the pack suspenders he's seen wearing. Interestingly, he his wearing an Army issued 1st pattern HBT jacket. Marines landing on Peleliu fell under Army supply lines as it was an Army operation, and therefore drew any replacement uniforms and equipment from Army stock. 

Both Marines are seen carrying the Army issue lightweight gas mask bag, which was standard issue to Marines landing on Peleliu, as the fear of Japanese chemical attacks persisted. Both are also equipped with the BrickArms M1 helmet with jungle side frogskin artwork. Contrary to popular belief, largely in part due to costume choices in HBO's The Pacific, Marines landing on Peleliu largely wore camouflage helmet covers with the green/jungle side out, based on original color film reels. 

Before anyone says it, yes, I know. Neither has a belt of machine gun ammo wrapped around their neck. I've searched high and low for an image, but the reality is these are real people, who didn't favor having a big, heavy, belt of pointy metal digging into them on the move. The squad as a whole was generally expected to carry extra ammunition for the machine gun, and was usually carried in the M1 ammo cans which I coincidentally already print! If you do happen across an image of WWII Marines going full Rambo with belts on their necks, please feel free to forward it over, I'd love to make one!

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, original Marine frogskin camouflage material sample. 

Collectors Edition - Signature by Landon Reimer, figures individually sealed in 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. 

• Custom printed BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmet with jungle/green frogskin artwork 
• Custom printed minifigure head 
• P1942 camouflage utility uniform
• Marine contract M1923 cartridge belt 
• Marine P2 canteen cover
• Army M1942 first aid pouch
• Army M3 Fighting knife with M6 scabbard
• P1941 Marine haversack
• P1941 Marine Suspenders
• P1912 Marine shovel cover with shovel
• M1905 Bayonet with Marine replacement scabbard
• Rifle grenade cannisters in pack 
• 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.

Legal Disclaimer: 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.