Back in 2019, when Larry Selman did one of our shows in Hershey, PA, I started talking to him about doing a figure set incorporating Larry's artwork. Since the original GI Joe line came out in 1964, we wanted to do a a vintage-style figure set based on the Vietnam War. During the back and forth, we decided to do a set based on a person who served in the military. Our final choice was Vietnam War Veteran Bill Beck, who served in the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Bill was involved in the ferocious Battle of Ia Drang, To get an idea of the hell that Bill and his fellow soldiers went through, watch the 2002 film We Were Soldiers, based on the book We Were Soldiers Once… and Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and war journalist Joseph L. Galloway.
Fortunately, for both of us, Larry knew Bill, and could correspond with him on the project. Bill was on board from the get go, sharing details of his uniform, gear and weaponry. This was good, for the "Bill Beck" prop uniform used in the film (which I found images of) were not 100% accurate to what Bill actually wore during that battle.
Larry and I worked extensively to replicate a vintage 1960's style figure set, based on Bill. Some things aren't 100% accurate, but then again, the 1964 Combat Soldier wasn't 100% accurate either. Regardless, we feel that this is a true homage to a true American hero.
To learn more of the Battle of Ia Drang, from Bill's perspective, check out SP4 Bill Beck: Ready for Battle, at the Army Heritage Foundation Website, located HERE.
The Set Includes:
- Elite Brigade Figure with Classic Hands
- Elite Brigade Jake Figure with Brown Hair
- OG107 (Early Issue) Fatigue Shirt and Pants
- OD T-Shirt
- Tall Black Boots
- Uniform Insignia
- M1 Helmet with Mitchell Camo Cover
- Web Belt
- M9156 Harness
- M1956 Field Pack
- M1956 Ammo Pouches x 2
- Bayonet and Scabbard
- Canteen and Cover
- M60 Machine Gun with Ammo Belt
- .45 Pistol with Holster
- Ammo Box
- M26 Hand Grenades x 2
- Box with Original Artwork by Larry Selman
- Set Postcard with PennLive article snippet on Bill Beck
NOTE: Each set will be personally autographed by Larry Selman and Bill Beck.
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