“Home for Christmas….my A$$.”
History: This is my depiction of the U.S. Marines retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Actually, as the Marines put it….not a retreat, they were just “advancing in another direction”. These Marines are taking a brief break in front of a Korean Jangseung…a good luck totem pole placed on the outskirts of a village. They are a makeshift, heavily armed, .30 cal Browning team, supplemented by a BAR and a carbine.
The Scene: November, 1950. General MacArthur promised the Marines on their assault towards the Chinese border at the Yalu River, that they would be home by Christmas. The war took on a whole new meaning with the commitment of thousands of Chinese troops. The Marines fought a valiant rear guard action and heroically brought out all of their wounded, and most of their supplies and equipment. I thought this scene took on a Christmas like appearance…..the seated Marine reading his “wish list” (like Santa Claus?), seated in front of the totem pole (Christmas tree with barbed wire tinsel, C-ration ornaments and complete with the star on top?) surrounded by gifts (3 automatic weapons and supplies!). Maybe a stretch, but I liked the idea!!
The Kits: Legend productions 120mm resin U.S. Marines. Painted with enamels and acrylics. Verlinden weapons and jerry cans round out the scene. Hudson and Allen Studios barbed wire and Woodland Scenics Snow helped with the backdrop. I added a folded bipod to the BAR, and cut the .30 cal tripod to represent the stowed position.
I still have a few detains to add, but I am almost completed. Please share your thoughts and comments. The black and white photos were my inspiration for this scene.
Cheers~ Mike
