USMC in the Banana Wars

 

Somewhere in the Dominican Republic, a detachment of a USMC heavy weapons company goes into action in the Banana Wars (1898-1934) of the early 20th Century (The USMC was engaged in the Dominican Republic from 5-5-1916 to 1924). During the Banana Wars, the USMC would see action in Cuba- 1898-1934 (they are still stationed at Guantanamo Bay as of 2024), Honduras- 1902-1925, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua- 1912-1923, Mexico- 1914 and Hati-1915-1934.

The gem of the unit is a Browning .30 cal. model 1917 water cooled heavy machinegun. This excellent weapon was used in every American conflict from World War One to the early days of the Vietnam War. Firing the powerful .30-06 Springfield round at 600 rounds per minute, this was a brutal force for an enemy to face. 

Other support is being given by two Lewis Guns. This was a lighter weight machine gun that remained in American use from the First World War to World War Two. The Lewis Gun in American service also fired the .30-06 Springfield at a rate of 600 rounds per minute. 

Also to be seen in the unit are the .30-60 cal. Browing Automatic Rifle (BAR), a .45 cal. Tommy Gun submachinegun, a 12-gauge Trench Gun shotgun, two Springfield .30-06 rifles and, in the hands of the Lieutenant, the famous 1911-A1 Colt .45 cal. automatic pistol. These solid weapons gave the USMC excellent firepower support throughout some of the most brutal wars of the 20th Century.

These are metal pieces that I painted in the early years of the 21st century.