DID 2nd Bn, 506th P.I.R. "Major Richard" Preview

"Band of Brothers" is a 2001 ten-part television World War II miniseries based on the book of the same title written by historian and biographer Stephen Ambrose. The executive producers were Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who had collaborated on the World War II film "Saving Private Ryan (1998)". The narrative centers on the experiences of "E" Company ("Easy Company") of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment assigned to the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. [source: wiki]

The main character of the show is arguably Major Richard Winters (1918–), played by Damian Lewis, who leads the cast for most of the episodes and is the main subject of the episodes "Day of Days", "Crossroads" and the final episode, "Points".

And now from DiD comes news that they will be releasing another World War II US Army Paratrooper, "Major Richard" of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, United States Army. Major Richard will come complete with his full set of attire, equipment and gear plus parachute (main and reserve) all ready to do battle in Europe!

Damian Lewis (born 11 February 1971) is an English actor and producer. He also recently starred as Detective Charlie Crews in the NBC drama "Life". DiD's 1:6 scale head sculpt of Damian Lewis seems pretty spot on and captures the man very well.

After the US paratroopers ditch their chutes, they have to be ready immediately to advance and overcome. The Siege of Bastogne was an engagement between American and German forces at the Belgian town of Bastogne, as part of the larger Battle of the Bulge. The siege lasted from December 20 to December 27, 1944 when the besieged American forces were relieved by elements of General Patton's Third Army.

The American soldiers were outnumbered and lacking in cold-weather gear, ammunition, food, and medical supplies. Due to some of the worst winter weather in years, the surrounded U.S. forces could not be resupplied by air nor was tactical air support available. Yet they held their ground and refused to surrender.

The most famous quote of the battle came from the 101st’s acting commander, Brigadier General McAuliffe. When confronted with a written request from German General Luttwitz for surrender of Bastogne, he replied “NUTS!” (the commander of the 327th GIR interpreted it to the German truce party as “Go to hell!”). After the battle, newspapers referred to the division as the "battered bastards of Bastogne".

Set will include Figure, M43 Jacket, M43 Fatigue Pants, Wool Shirt, Airborne Dress Uniform Jacket, Airborne Dress Uniform Pants, Corcoran Jump Boots, Sidecap, Wool Neck Wrap, M1 Helmet with Netting, Mae West Life Vest, Parachute Rig, Reserve Chute, M1 Garand Rifle, Rifle Drop Bag, Web Belt, X Harness, Pistol Magazine Pouch, Riggers Grenade Pouch, First Aid Pouch, First Aid Pouch (tie on Airborne type), Shortened E-Tool & Carrier, Colt .45 Pistol with Shoulder Holster, Musette Pack, Gloves, Bayonet & Scabbard, Jump Knife and Sheath, Compass, Flashlight, Grenades (x2), Canteen & Pouch, Ammo Bandoleer, and Rope Roll

This is a definite MUST buy for me, being a sucker for all things to do with the US Paratroopers of World War II. They didn't have any special equipment and what they had cannot be taught or bought - GUTS!!!

DiD had earlier released a 101st Airborne Division, 506th PIR Officer "Albert Ross" (pictures HERE) whose likeness was very close to that of Ron Livingston, who portrays Captain Lewis Nixon (1918–1995), Major Winters' best friend and frequent confidant during the series.