Description

This minifigure represents a United States Army infantry battalion private, the most common and essential soldier of the American war effort during World War II. Privates were the foundation of the U.S. Army’s massive mobilization, which saw over 11 million Americans serve in uniform by 1945. As the lowest enlisted rank, they performed the toughest, most dangerous duties — yet their contributions were indispensable to victory.

The private’s standard gear included the olive drab wool uniform, the M1941 or M1943 field jacket, and the rugged M1 steel helmet, often netted or painted for camouflage. His web gear carried ammunition pouches, grenades, a canteen, entrenching tool, and first aid pouch. This minifigure captures those battlefield essentials, reflecting the everyday G.I.’s look.

The private’s primary weapon was usually the M1 Garand rifle, the first semi-automatic rifle to be standard issue for a major army. Its eight-round clip and rapid rate of fire gave American infantrymen a significant advantage over enemies armed with bolt-action rifles. Some privates also carried the M1 carbine or served as assistants for heavier weapons like the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) or squad machine guns.

Infantry battalion privates fought in every major U.S. campaign: storming beaches in Normandy on D-Day (June 6, 1944), pushing through the bocage of France, enduring the freezing forests in the Battle of the Bulge, and battling through Pacific island jungles at Guadalcanal, Saipan, and Okinawa. They faced relentless artillery, tanks, and fortified positions — yet pressed forward with grit and determination.

This minifigure is the ordinary G.I., an everyday young American who bore extraordinary burdens in history’s greatest conflict. Through courage, sacrifice, and teamwork, privates turned the tide of war.

Includes 1 x US Infantry battalion Private minifigure disassembled.

Pcs: 9

Age rating: 14+