13073 - U.S. Marine NCO Firing M1911 Pistol, Belleau Wood, 1918

U.S. Marine NCO Firing M1911 Pistol, Belleau Wood, 1918

This miniature represents a United States Marine Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) during the fierce fighting at the Battle of Belleau Wood, one of the most celebrated actions of the U.S. Marine Corps in the First World War.

The battle took place in June 1918, near the village of Belleau, France, during the German Spring Offensive. As German forces pushed toward the Marne River, American troops were rushed into the area to help halt the advance. The 4th Marine Brigade, part of the 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), was ordered to seize and defend the heavily wooded area known as Belleau Wood.

The fighting was brutal, with Marines advancing through dense woodland, machine-gun fire, artillery bombardments, and fortified German positions. The close terrain often forced combat into extremely short ranges, where pistols, bayonets, grenades, and automatic weapons became vital. The M1911 .45 ACP pistol carried by many officers, NCOs, and specialists provided powerful sidearm protection during these intense encounters.

The Marines suffered heavy casualties but continued their attacks, eventually capturing Belleau Wood by the end of June 1918. Their determination earned them the respect of both allies and enemies, with German soldiers reportedly referring to them as “Teufel Hunden” (Devil Dogs) — a nickname that became permanently associated with the Marine Corps.

This miniature captures the spirit of those Marines: experienced NCO leadership, close-quarter combat, and the relentless fighting style that defined the American forces on the Western Front in 1918.

Brand: W.Britain