Description

This minifigure depicts a United States Army Armoured Division Staff Sergeant of the Second World War, representing the vital non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who ensured discipline, coordination, and effectiveness among America’s tank and armoured infantry units. Staff sergeants held authority over squads or sections, serving as the backbone of leadership within the U.S. Army.

The U.S. Armoured Divisions were central to Allied success in Europe. Combining tanks, mechanized infantry, and artillery, they epitomized the doctrine of mobile warfare. Staff sergeants often led armoured infantry platoons, riding into battle in half-tracks alongside Sherman tanks. Their responsibilities included maintaining unit cohesion, overseeing training, and directing their men under fire.

Uniforms for armoured troops were similar to standard G.I.s — olive drab wool trousers and jackets, paired with the M1 steel helmet or tanker helmets for those inside vehicles. Many wore the armoured division patch on the shoulder, each design unique to their unit. Staff sergeants were identified by their rank chevrons, typically displayed on the sleeve.

Weapons included the M1 Garand rifle, the lighter M1 carbine, or the Thompson submachine gun, depending on role and availability. Armoured infantrymen were also trained to support tanks in close combat, using bazookas, grenades, and machine guns to protect armour from enemy infantry and anti-tank weapons.

US Armoured Divisions played a decisive role from the North African campaign through the breakout from Normandy, the rapid advances across France, and the final push into Germany. At the Battle of the Bulge, armoured units held key positions and counterattacked to repel the German offensive.

Includes 1 minifigure disassembled.

Pcs: 9

Age rating: 14+