Minifigure – US Army Ranger Squad equipped for the D-Day invasion of Normandy from World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a complete set of six toy minifigures representing a U.S. Army Ranger Squad from World War II. Specifically, these figures are depicted in the unique gear issued for the D-Day Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. They are all members of the elite 2nd Ranger Battalion, identified by the Blue Diamond patch with a gold border on their left arms.

Here is a detailed introduction to each figure in the set:

U.S. Army Rangers – M1 Rifleman This figure represents the backbone of the squad, a standard Rifleman. He is equipped with the M1 Garand, the semi-automatic service rifle that gave American troops a distinct firepower advantage. He wears the specialized Ranger Assault Vest, a sleeveless garment with large pockets designed specifically for the D-Day landings to carry extra ammo without a heavy backpack. A key historical detail is the M7 Gas Mask Bag (the black rubberized bag) strapped high on his chest, which assault troops were ordered to wear to protect their masks from seawater during the amphibious landing.

U.S. Army Rangers – Combat Medic This figure represents the Combat Medic, often known as “Doc.” He is easily identified by the large Red Cross painted on his M1 steel helmet and the Red Cross armband on his sleeve, symbols used to protect medical personnel under the Geneva Convention. He wears crisscrossed cloth bandoliers, which medics often used to carry extra bandages and morphine supplies. He is armed with an M1 Carbine, a lighter weapon often carried by support troops for self-defense while tending to the wounded on the battlefield.

U.S. Army Rangers – Bazooka Anti-Tank Gunner This figure represents the squad’s heavy hitter, the Anti-Tank Gunner. He is armed with an M1A1 Bazooka and a separate rocket projectile. On D-Day, Rangers at Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach relied on these portable rocket launchers to destroy German bunkers, pillboxes, and machine-gun nests when heavy artillery support wasn’t available. He wears the standard Assault Vest and a netted helmet to help break up his silhouette.

U.S. Army Rangers – BAR Gunner This figure represents the Automatic Rifleman, armed with the heavy M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). He provided the suppressing fire that allowed the rest of the squad to maneuver. Like the rifleman, he wears the distinctive M7 Gas Mask Bag on his chest, a hallmark of the initial D-Day assault waves. The BAR man was a priority target for the enemy, so he is heavily equipped with the Assault Vest to carry the heavy magazines required for his weapon.

U.S. Army Rangers – Squad Leader (Thompson) This figure represents the Squad Leader or NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). He is armed with the iconic Thompson Submachine Gun (“Tommy Gun”), which offered high-volume fire for close-quarters combat in trenches and towns. As a leader, he wears the Assault Vest to lead the charge. His plain green helmet suggests he might be an officer or senior NCO directing the movement of the other troops on the beachhead.

U.S. Army Rangers – Sniper (M1903) This figure represents the squad’s Sniper or designated marksman. He is armed with a Springfield M1903A4 Sniper Rifle fitted with a telescopic scope. While the rest of the army had moved to the M1 Garand, snipers retained the bolt-action Springfield for its superior accuracy. He wears a netted helmet for camouflage. This figure is likely inspired by the character Private Jackson from the movie Saving Private Ryan, who famously used this rifle while serving in the 2nd Rangers.