WWII US Paramarine Squad - Bougainville 1943

Created as a specialized combat unit in 1940, the Paramarines were a short-lived exploration of Marine Corps spearhead doctrine beyond amphibious landings. Similar to the US Army Airborne, qualified parachutists would receive higher pay, leading to robust recruiting, but high drop outs due to the strenuous training requirements. Never jumping into combat, the parachute battalions would only see major action preforming amphibious landings on Guadalcanal and Bougainville to assist Marine Raider operations. With aircraft shortages persisting in the Marine Corps, and their utility being questioned, the Paramarines would be disbanded in 1944 along with the Raiders. Both groups were then used as the foundation of the 5th Marine Division, going on to see heavy combat on Iwo Jima. Many young replacements would leave Iwo Jima crediting their survival purely to the leadership of the "Old Breed" parachutists which led their squads. 

The short-lived and innovative Marine parachute battalions would go on to mostly be remembered for their distinctive uniforms and equipment. I've tried to capture a variety of the material culture for this trio, representing Paramarines in combat on Bougainville. They've retained their jump boots, with a mix of their trademark socks bloused over them or not, as well as their unique frogskin camouflage jump smocks. What I consider to be the saltier of the three, has ended up wearing the standard P1942 camoflauge uniform, as replacement uniforms were obtained from the raiders once their jump uniforms were worn out or damaged. Also of note is the radio operator, carrying the unique MAB chest worn radio issued only to the parachute battalions. These radios were one of the first attempts at mobile, compact communications, ultimately leading to the development of the famed "handy talkies". 

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. 

• BrickArms M1 Helmet with custom printed frogskin camoflauge
• Custom printed minifigure head with wrap around M1 helmet chinstraps
• Paramarine jump smock - 2nd pattern frogskin camouflage (jungle side) 
• P1942 camouflage utility trousers 
• Marine contract M1923 cartridge belt 
• Marine P2 canteen cover
• MkII "Pineapple" hand grenades
• Marine contract M1923 pistol belt 
• Marine contract M1 carbine magazine pouch 
• P1912 first aid pouch
• M1911 pistol with holster 
• Paramarine MAB radio (chest mounted)
• P1942 camouflage utility jacket
• M1910 army issue canteen cover
• Paramarine rigger modified frogskin shovel cover with shovel
• Paramarine jump boots 
• Inside leg Paramarine jump boots printing  
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

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