Code Talker & Marine Raider

Description

Code Talker & Marine Raider:

G.I. Joe Delta Assortment Marine Raider & Navajo Code Talker 2-Pack. Please note: the ethnic variation is randomly packed; consequently the items received may be Caucasian, Hispanic or African American.

The once sold out Navajo Code Talker has been re-released. This figure says 7 different phrases in Navajo Code and English. Equipment List: Camouflage covered helmet, web belt, hand phone set, backpack radio, M-1 rifle, shirt, pants, boots.

In the early part of the 1940's, the Allied forces of World War II were faced with a grim situation in the Pacific. The Japanese Imperial forces were advancing in that region, capturing island after island. It became critical that the Japanese progression was stopped before the entire Pacific theater would fall under Axis control. But stopping the Japanese assault would prove to be a difficult task. The network of scattered islands which made up the Pacific theater stretched across thousands of miles of ocean, creating perhaps the most isolated and treacherous battlefields of the war. If the Allies were to persevere under such arduous conditions, communications would be a key factor. The Japanese, however, were excellent code breakers, and proved able to anticipate every move the Allies made. To regain control of the Pacific islands, an "unbreakable" code would have to be developed. The answer would come from a Native American language and became so immediately effective that it was dubbed "the Navajo Weapon".

The Navajo code retained its usefulness even after the war came to an end. For that reason, the code talkers were discharged without fanfare, and were told to keep knowledge of the code a secret. In 1969, the code talkers were first officially recognized for their efforts. They received the Certificate of Appreciation from the President of the United States in 1971, and since then more dedications and monuments have been raised to honor them. Their contribution to the war effort in the Pacific theater was essential to Allied victory. Their achievement is a feat unrivaled - it remains to this day the only unbroken code ever used in the history of war.

Marine Raider Equipment List: M1 helmet, Backpack, Shirt, Socks, Low-cut boots, Trousers, Web belt, Bandoleer, Holster, M-1911A1 .45 cal pistol with clip, Canteen, .55 cal Boys Anti-Tank Rifle, Five .55 cal ammo magazines, and Toggle rope.

Although the United States Marine Raiders were in existence only for the duration of World War II, they undertook a number of daring missions that made them legendary. The Raiders were specifically trained to conduct lightning-fast nighttime raids and pre-invasion reconnaissance. Their regimen included hand-to-hand fighting and cross training in a wide variety of weapons, in addition to training for jungle fighting.

One of the Marine Raiders' weapons of choice was the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle. Weighing 36 lbs. the Boys Rifle was only effective against thin armor but could be used against most Japanese vehicles. It was a single shot, bolt action rifle that fired steel-cored bullets. Another piece of gear that they carried was a toggle rope, originally issued by British Commandos. Each man carried one toggle rope so that a group of men could link them together in order to climb obstacles.

From the beginning, the Marine Raiders were considered "elite" because they were a heavily trained and well-armed unit of the Marines. The Marine Raiders participated in two extremely important raids and several battles that helped turn the tide against Japan in World War II. In combat, they met the Japanese in the deep jungle under grueling conditions. In spite of the Japanese being more experienced in the art of jungle warfare, the Raiders won key victories.

The Raiders went on to fulfill other missions including their victory on Guadalcanal. They continued throughout the war then were disbanded in 1945, but they will long be remembered for their valor in extreme situations.