WWII US Paramarines - Jumpmaster and Parachutist

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. This particular figure pair is based on parachutists training in the US, early in WWII. The jumpmaster features a Brickmania custom Marine garrison cap with texture printed EGA, as well as wrap around 1940s sunglasses. He's wearing the standard Marine dungarees with the interesting inclusion of a 1940s hoodie sweatshirt underneath. Completing the figure is new art for the unique Paramarine jump boots, constructed similar to their distinctive boondocker field shoes, but with the same height as the ubiquitous army jump boots. The parachutist is equipped with a BrickArms M1 helmet, worn over a wrap around printed skull cap. These distinctive skull caps were actually pulled from navy pilot stocks, so keep an eye out for more variants in the future. Uniform wise, he's equipped with the early 1st pattern jump smock, clearly patterned off of the Fallschirmjager smocks introduced prior in the Luftwaffe. A small chest pocket was sewn on to store an emergency D-ration bar, in case a parachutist lost his pack with rations on the jump, as well as a large back pocket to store their special compact field radio. Wearing the same Paramarine jump boots, I've also included new art for the almost universal style of Marines blousing their socks up over the boots. 

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. 

• Brickmania custom garrison cap with texture printed EGA
• Custom printed minifigure head with wrap around sunglasses 
• P1941 dungaree jacket (hoodie variant)
• P1941 dungaree trousers 
• Paramarine jump boots
• Custom printed minifigure head with wrap around US Navy skull cap 
• 1st pattern Paramarine jump smock 
• Inside leg Paramarine jump boots printing  
• Holographically sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Hand stamped WWII inspired packaging (base model) 

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