DD122 US 101ST AIRBORNE JUMPING SCREAMING EAGLES BY KING & COUNTRY
Overview
Set specifications: manufacturer, release/retirement, content
Historical Section: Normandy parachute jump, objectives, challenges, outcome
Collector Notes: identification, packaging, market pricing
King & Country’s DD122 “Jumping Screaming Eagles” set captures two U.S. 101st Airborne paratroopers descending into Normandy with fully deployed canopies. Released in March 2010 and retired by December 2011, the die‑cast figures feature dynamic airborne poses evocative of the June 6, 1944 D‑Day drops. This concise review examines scale, presentation, and collector appeal while grounding the historical context of the 101st’s pivotal role during the Normandy parachute assault.
Historical Background
On the night of June 5–6 and into the early hours of June 6, 1944, during Operation Overlord, the U.S. 101st Airborne Division conducted parachute landings over Normandy to secure vital causeway exits leading from Utah Beach into the French interior. The division’s objectives included seizing causeway exits near Sainte‑Marie‑du‑Mont, destroying a German artillery battery at Saint‑Martin‑de‑Varreville, capturing barracks and command posts at Mézières, and securing bridges and lock facilities over the Douve River to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches (en.wikipedia.org). Pathfinders from the 101st dropped first to mark landing zones, but many paratroopers landed off target due to poor visibility, scattered winds, and German flak (en.wikipedia.org).
Despite disorganization, small groups rallied and launched aggressive operations, ultimately helping to clear exits for the 4th Infantry Division flowing off Utah Beach (en.wikipedia.org). These early airborne actions were crucial in establishing a foothold and enabling the larger invasion force to advance. The 101st’s mission in Normandy established its reputation for determination under fire and set the stage for later successes in Carentan and beyond, including the liberation of Carentan in mid‑June 1944 (en.wikipedia.org).
Collector Notes
Collectors can identify DD122 by its King & Country branding and product code clearly marked on packaging and pedestal base. The set includes two die‑cast paratroopers with fully deployed canopies, posed mid‑descent—unique features within the D‑Day series. The manufacturer lists release as March 2010 and retirement as December 2011 (sagerssoldiers.com). Original packaging typically features a themed sleeve referencing Normandy, and mint‑in‑box examples command higher prices: secondary‑market listings around US$105 have been observed (sagerssoldiers.com). Condition issues may include canopy wires bent or paint wear on high‑relief touches like harnesses. Removal of original box or sleeve may reduce value significantly. Displays with both figures intact, canopy undamaged, and original box preserved are most sought after.
Variants are uncommon, though factory paint application may slightly vary. Overall, DD122 is a desirable and affordable King & Country retired set.
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