I had the great fortune to meet and become friends with Gunny Nick Popaditch and his family. Nick is a Silver Star recipient and the author of the book "Once a Marine". I spent many hours one on one with Nick this project and began the build about a month ago. The kit is the Dragon M1A1 AIM kit with some of the MARINE parts from the M1A1/2 Tamiya kit. With the help of Nick and SGT. Major Mike Mummey (USMC retired) . My modeling skills may be lacking but I am pretty sure that I have replicated this tank on that particular day. I am about 70% done with the tank and almost done with the base. I still have the figures to do and a lot of weathering.

Anyway here are some pics.

Hold on there big fella, I left the service as a Master Sergeant. The tank and base are looking good, glad to be able to help. Outta here, Mike sends . . .

Fantastic build (the base is amazing) and an even better story behind it
Keep Building
Evan

I thought that you might have been inadvertly promoted. For the record, you would have made a good Sergeant Major.

John

Well "Tanks" John. Dont let that get out though! There would be heck to pay. I was up at Ft Carson last week and got a big dose of "Hoooah" too. Outta here, Mike sends . . .