Minifigure – U.S. Army Ranger Automatic 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 Automatic Rifleman from World War II, specifically geared up for the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

The figure is depicted wearing the specialized Ranger Assault Vest. This sleeveless vest was a unique piece of equipment issued to Rangers for the D-Day landings to help them carry heavy loads of ammunition and grenades without a backpack. He wears an M1 steel helmet covered with a camouflage net.

A defining feature of this specific figure is the black, rubberized bag strapped to his chest. This is the M7 Assault Gas Mask Bag. During the amphibious landings, assault troops were ordered to wear these waterproof bags on their chests to protect their gas masks from seawater and keep them accessible in case of a chemical attack. He also has two Mk 2 “Pineapple” hand grenades hooked onto the straps of his vest, a common practice for easy access during combat.

The figure is armed with the M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). This heavy, magazine-fed weapon was the squad’s primary source of automatic firepower. The toy accurately depicts the BAR’s distinctive carry handle and bipod at the end of the barrel.

Historical Background: The 2nd Ranger Battalion was an elite unit tasked with one of the most dangerous missions on D-Day (June 6, 1944): scaling the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc to destroy German coastal guns. The BAR gunner was the anchor of the infantry squad; while riflemen carried semi-automatic M1 Garands, the BAR man provided the suppressing fire necessary for the squad to maneuver. This specific figure, with the assault vest, gas mask bag, and BAR, closely resembles the portrayal of Private Richard Reiben, a character from the film Saving Private Ryan.