KING AND COUNTRY DD288-2
Overview
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Introduction to the set
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Historical context of 101st Airborne in Normandy
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Collector‑oriented notes
King & Country’s DD288‑2 “US Paratroopers Moving Forward … Cautiously!” is a retired World War II collectible featuring two 101st Airborne troopers in stealth advance. Released in June 2016 and retired in May 2023, the set captures momentary tension as one rifleman carries a grenade and both wear the iconic Screaming Eagle shoulder patch. Moreover, it complements the D‑Day Americans series with faithful sculpting, finely cast metal, and a dynamic pose pair.
Historical Background
The miniatures depict two United States Army paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division—nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles”—advancing cautiously during the Normandy invasion on D‑Day, June 6, 1944. Tasked with securing drop zones and capturing vital bridges and towns ahead of the amphibious landings, the division parachuted into occupied France in the early hours. Equipped typically with M1 carbines, grenades, and jump gear, these troopers faced scattered landings amid intense anti-aircraft fire and disorientation. Notably, the 101st played pivotal roles in capturing Sainte‑Mère‑Église and holding the key causeways to Utah Beach, significantly contributing to the success of the Allied landings.
Consequently, the cautious forward movement portrayed in the set reflects the real tactical prudence of paratroopers navigating unfamiliar hedgerow terrain, possible German patrols, and disrupted company cohesion. Uniform details like the Screaming Eagle patch, metal‑detailing of weapons, and gear styling in the miniatures closely mirror the actual combat attire and equipment of June 1944 paratroopers. Therefore, the figures serve not only as visually compelling collectibles but also as miniature interpretations of one of the most iconic airborne actions in military history.
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Collector Notes
DD288‑2, SKU/DD288‑2, came to market in June 2016 and retired in May 2023; originally priced at US$99 (sagerssoldiers.com). Cast in metal and part of King & Country’s D‑Day Americans line, the set complements its sibling DD288‑1 (82nd Airborne) (sagerssoldiers.com). Identification features include the two‑figure configuration: one rifleman advancing with rifle, the other holding both rifle and a grenade, plus clearly painted 101st Airborne shoulder patches (sagerssoldiers.com). Boxes often included generic window‑style packaging typical of the range. Condition concerns include minor paint rubbing on raised helmet or grenade surfaces, and possible metal casting seams needing minimal cleanup. Painted variants may show slight tonal variations on uniform greens.
On the secondary market, complete boxed sets currently sell between US$110 and US$150 depending on condition; loose or painted examples range US$80–120. Overall, collectors seeking 101st Airborne-themed D‑Day figures will find DD288‑2 a valuable and thematic companion to DD285‑2 and DD287‑2 sets (sagerssoldiers.com).
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