DD188 Rifleman with Knife In Hand by King and Country
Overview
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Introduction to the miniature
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History: The First U.S. Infantry Division at Normandy
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Collector Notes
The King & Country DD188 “With Rifle & Grenade” is a meticulously crafted 1:30 scale figure in the D.Day ’44 – Americans series, released in 2012. Designed by Andy Neilson and manufactured in Hong Kong/China, this miniature depicts a U.S. infantryman advancing with an M1 Garand rifle and knife in hand, cast in a lead/tin alloy with polystone, and finished in factory paint. It presents a dynamic pose that combines readiness and motion, making it a striking addition to any D‑Day collection.
Historical Background
The DD188 miniature portrays a U.S. infantryman from the 1st Infantry Division—nicknamed the “Big Red One”—which spearheaded the American assault on Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944. Established in 1917, the division had already seen action in North Africa and Sicily by D‑Day and was chosen for its seasoned combat record (normandy1944.info). Under Major General Clarence R. Huebner, the 16th Infantry Regimental Combat Team led the first wave ashore in the sectors known as Easy Red and Fox Green (historynet.com). Facing formidable German defenses—concrete bunkers, machine‑gun nests, anti‑tank obstacles, and razor‑wire—the troops endured catastrophic casualties in the initial minutes ashore. In many units, more than 75 percent of officers and NCOs were lost almost instantly (historynet.com).
The much‑anticipated amphibious “DD” Sherman tanks largely failed to reach the beach; of 32 launched offshore, only two arrived and were quickly disabled (historynet.com). Despite the chaos, small-unit initiative prevailed. Under the rallying leadership of Brigadier General Norman Cota, soldiers and attached 5th Ranger battalion members breached the sea wall and ascended the bluffs, securing footholds inland by midmorning (historynet.com). By nightfall, over 34,000 Allied troops were ashore, and the beachhead was secured by the tenacity and sacrifice of the “Big Red One” and attached forces (army.mil). The division then pressed inland, fighting through the hedgerows of Normandy, breaching the Siegfried Line, and advancing into central Europe by war’s end (firstdivisionmuseum.org).
The engineer and medical personnel, including regimental surgeon Major Charles Tegtmeyer, performed under fire to care for and evacuate the wounded amid intense combat conditions (tradoc.army.mil). The DD188 figure encapsulates the relentless resolve of the G.I. who, rifle in one hand and knife in the other, mirrored countless real-world soldiers who fought for every yard on Omaha Beach.
Collector Notes
Identification: The miniature is marked DD188 in the King & Country D.Day ’44 – Americans line, designed by Andy Neilson and manufactured in Hong Kong/China in 2012 (lastdodo.com). Scale is 1:30; material is lead/tin alloy with polystone; factory‑painted. The pedestal bears “King&Country D.DAY ’44 2012” (lastdodo.com). Variants and packaging: As a retired figure, it typically comes in the original box, though box condition varies. There are no known pose or accessory variants for DD188. Collectors should verify the presence of the grenade in hand, as small weapons are prone to breakage. Paint and condition: Look for crisp factory paint, particularly on the M1 Garand woodstock and grenade details.
Common wear includes minor paint chips on raised edges—hat brim, rifle stock, grenade—especially on older specimens. Pricing: On secondary markets, DD188 typically trades between USD 45 and 60, depending on box condition and figure integrity, consistent with comparable retired DD series figures (sagerssoldiers.com). Display tips: The dynamic forward stride pose works well mounted on simulated Normandy terrain. Complement with other DD figures—such as kneeling riflemen (e.g. DD186)—to recreate squad-based scenes.
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