WWII US Marine Rifleman - Okinawa 1945

The Battle of Okinawa (April–June 1945) was one of the bloodiest clashes of World War II, fought between U.S. forces and the Japanese military on the island of Okinawa. As the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific theater, it was strategically important because Okinawa could serve as a staging ground for a planned invasion of mainland Japan. The battle involved intense ground combat, widespread use of kamikaze attacks against Allied ships, and devastating civilian casualties. After nearly three months of fighting, U.S. forces secured the island, but at the cost of tens of thousands of soldiers and a large portion of Okinawa’s civilian population, underscoring the potential human toll of a full-scale invasion of mainland Japan.

This particular minifigure is based one of the most widely circulated photos of WWII, often used to showcase American determination, as well as exemplify the Marine rifleman in WWII. Interestingly, research into the famous, but seldom identified PFC Paul Ison complicates that example a bit. I chose this figure because it perfectly showcases the fluidity of combat and how often the equipment we associate with certain roles blurs. Ison was in fact, a demolitions man, spending the majority of the battle armed with a Thompson and satchel charges. Interviews with Ison would later identify how he recovered another Marine's M1 rifle off the battlefield, and carried it into action during his multiple crossings of Death Valley. As the figure depicts, he's also equipped with a BAR belt, which I have yet to uncover the exact purpose for, whether that be as helping bear ammo for a BAR gunner in his squad, or as a field solution for carrying demolition supplies in the large pockets.

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

Collectors Edition - Signature by Landon Reimer, sealed collectors packaging with Brick Warp Display Brick.

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. 

Art and features: 

• BrickArms M1 helmet with frogskin camouflage cover 
• Custom printed minifigure head with M1 helmet chinstraps
• P1941 HBT utility uniform
• N1 Boondocker field boots 
• P1941 suspenders 
• P1941 Haversack with shovel carrier
• M1943 folding shovel 
• Shelter half bedroll 
• P2 canteen cover 
• P3 canteen cover
• Army issue BAR belt 
• Rifle ammunition bandolier
• Inside leg Marine gaiters printing
• Sealed packaging (original and collectors edition) 
• Numbered and signed 1x6 display brick (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.