G.I. Joe WWI DOUGHBOY Action Figure Echo Hasbro 1999 No. 81572 NEW

WORLD WAR I

DOUGHBOY

In 1914, at the onset of World War I, the United States was hardly an effective and efficient war machine. But from the time it entered the conflict on April 6, 1917, to Armistice Day on November 11, 1918, the U.S. expanded its Army from 200,000 troops to 4,000,000-effectively turning the tide for the struggling Allied forces. Within that 19-month period, the U.S. Army proved itself to be a superior military power, and one of the key defenders of freedom around the globe. Its success was due to the determination of its soldiers, designated the "Doughboys." History debates the origin of their nickname. Some theories point to mud, or adobe-covered soldiers in the Mexican War, while others claim the moniker originated from the uniform buttons of Union soldiers in the Civil War. Whatever the origin, the name became synonymous with grit and determination-the dominant qualities of our American soldiers fighting during World War I.

The American-made Springfield rifle was standard issue for the Doughboys, though other allies upon arrival in Europe largely supplied the majority of field equipment. These items included the lightweight M2 gas mask and the British small box respirator (used for higher concentrations of gases and more poisonous gases). Machine guns made their first major appearance in World War I, and Doughboys experienced them for the first time upon arriving in France. The first divisions to arrive were issued the French-built Chauchat as their light machine gun, and either the French-made or British-made Hotchkiss as their heavy machine gun. Troops arriving after July of 1917, however, were issued the Browning Automatic Rifle and the Browning M1917 machine gun. Outfitting the Doughboys for combat was a concerted effort by all Allied forces, but they appreciated the fact that the Americans were joining the cause, and the Doughboys' presence proved essential to victory in the conflict.

On the front lines, the Doughboys and the Allies were subjected to, and had at their disposal, more technically-advanced weapons than in any previous war. Trench warfare was brutal and dangerous; Doughboys and the rest of the Allied soldiers were under a constant barrage of machine gun and mortar fire, mines and bombs-the first time any of these weapons had been used so extensively. War from the air was becoming more and more significant as well.

Due to the waterlogged trenches, illness and infection became everyday concerns. Most soldiers were infested with body lice, and a condition known as trenchfoot became a continuous threat. Close to 50 divisions of brave American Infantrymen persevered through such struggles, and the tide soon turned in favor of the Allies. The 82nd Division, notable by their blue and red patch and called the "All Americans." included soldiers from every state in the union. The 82nd's "All American" status symbolized the individual effort that each and every US soldier made in order to provide the added strength, vigor and hope necessary for Allied victory. Within a matter of months, the U.S. Army's Doughboys proved to the entire world that they could collectively rise to any challenge-and succeed with flying colors.

Authentic Military Weapons & Clothing - Blonde hair, blue eyes - Equipment List: Browning M1917 machine gun & tripod, Springfield rifle bayonet & sheath, gas mask & bag, shovel & sheath, ammo belt, ammo rounds, haversack, filter can, canteen & holder, leg wraps, Doughboy dogtags & Helmet - Ages 5 And Up - Hasbro 1999

There is some wear on the corners of the box and come creasing in the cardboard along the corners. The plastic front has minor wear and the accessories have come loose from their places.