Hitting the Beach

Hitting the Beach – U.S. Army Rangers, D-Day 1944

Model: DD321
Scale: 1/30
Finish: Matte

Overview

On the morning of June 6, 1944, U.S. Army Rangers stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most daring amphibious assaults in military history. The Hitting the Beach set commemorates their bravery with four meticulously hand-painted 1/30 scale figures in dynamic combat poses, each sculpted to bring the tension, determination, and grit of that fateful day to life.

Set Composition

• Three advancing Rangers – Moving quickly under enemy fire, each soldier grips his trusted M1 Garand rifle, the standard U.S. infantry weapon of WWII, renowned for its reliability and stopping power.

• One crouching Ranger – Providing covering fire with the Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.), the squad’s indispensable support weapon. First introduced at the end of WWI, the B.A.R. remained in service through WWII, Korea, and even into the early years of Vietnam.

Historical Significance

The Rangers’ mission on D-Day was to neutralize key German defenses, scale cliffs under fire, and secure vital positions to allow the larger Allied force to advance inland. They operated in small, tightly knit units where teamwork and trust were paramount, making every man’s role critical to survival and success.

The M1 Garand and B.A.R. depicted here were more than weapons—they were lifelines, enabling U.S. troops to lay down accurate fire in the chaos of battle. The B.A.R.’s suppressive fire capability was especially vital in the close-quarters fighting of the hedgerows and beach obstacles.

Craftsmanship & Collectibility

Each figure is cast in metal and painted in matte finish to highlight authentic WWII uniforms, equipment, and weaponry. Details such as net-covered helmets, ammo pouches, and period-correct field gear ensure historical accuracy. Posed in realistic stances—advancing, aiming, and covering—this set captures the essence of the Rangers’ relentless drive forward.

Whether displayed alone or as part of a larger D-Day diorama, Hitting the Beach makes a striking tribute to the soldiers who exemplified the Rangers’ enduring motto: “Rangers Lead the Way.”