John Basilone - Guadalcanal 1942

With many of my most requested previous minifigures being based on the battle of Guadalcanal, I've been planning on circling back and examining it again with my current approach of 1:1 representations of real people. This particular minifigure is based off extensive research on John Basilone, his actions, and equipment on Guadalcanal. While I've done this figure in the past, I wanted to revisit him with due respect for his accomplishments, but with a critical lens on how he's been portrayed in popular culture since. This figure therefore includes numerous corrections to my past art. Most notably, given that the 7th Marine Regiment landed on Guadalcanal wearing their khaki summer uniforms, I've corrected the uniform from the previous 1941 HBTs. I've also omitted the iconic ammunition belts Basilone is often depicted as wearing, while carrying the water cooled Browning. These illustrations, often originating from wartime propaganda, seem to have blended the story of fellow Marine Medal of Honor recipient, Mitchell Paige, with that of Basilone. While Basilone did heroically keep a large Japanese offensive at bay, manning and repairing guns in his section while his crews dwindled; there is no contemporary evidence of him charging through the dense jungle, hip firing the browning as media often depicts. While Basilone did experience serious burns, this was due to swapping out overheating barrels inside guns so hot his protective glove disintegrated. I've instead included art depicting the ruptured cartridge extractor in his pocket, which he used to keep his sections guns running as ammunition cooked off in the chambers of the red hot guns. I've copied the text of his original Medal of Honor citation below: 

"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."

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

Collectors Edition - Signed by Landon Reimer, serial numbered, and sealed plastic collectors package with Brick Warp artwork.

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

• BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmet 
• Custom printed minifigure head with hanging chinstraps
• Marine "Khakis" summer service uniform 
• M1941 pack suspenders
• Marine contract M1936 pistol belt
• Marine contract pistol magazine pouch
• Machine gun water canteen
• Marine P2 canteen cover with canteen
• Bolo knife sheath 
• Navy N1 "Boondocker" field shoes  
• Inside leg Marine gaiters 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.