Minifigure – U.S. Army Ranger Rifleman equipped for the D-Day invasion of Normandy from World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a U.S. Army Ranger Rifleman from World War II, specifically equipped for the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

The figure is depicted wearing the specialized Ranger Assault Vest. This distinct, sleeveless tan vest was a unique piece of equipment issued primarily to Rangers for the amphibious landings on Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc in June 1944. It featured large pockets designed to carry heavy loads of ammunition, grenades, and rations, replacing the standard backpack for the initial assault.

A defining feature of this specific figure is the black, rubberized bag strapped high on his chest. This is the M7 Assault Gas Mask Bag. During the invasion, assault troops were ordered to wear these waterproof bags on their chests to protect their gas masks from seawater and keep them instantly accessible in case the Germans used chemical weapons on the beaches.

On his left arm, the Blue Diamond Patch with a gold border clearly identifies him as a member of the elite 2nd Ranger Battalion. The figure is armed with the M1 Garand, the standard-issue semi-automatic service rifle of the U.S. military during WWII.

Historical Background: The U.S. Army Rangers were elite light infantry shock troops. On D-Day, the 2nd Ranger Battalion was tasked with one of the most difficult missions of the war: scaling the 100-foot cliffs of Pointe du Hoc to destroy German heavy artillery batteries. The M1 Garand gave American infantry a significant firepower advantage over the bolt-action rifles used by the Germans. The specific combination of the Assault Vest and the chest-mounted Gas Mask Bag creates a very specific “D-Day look,” heavily popularized by historical photos and films like Saving Private Ryan.