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In 1927, President Coolidge didn't send the United States
Marine Corps into Nicaragua to make friends. The Marines stepped into the
thick Central American rainforest ready for a fight. That was their job. It
always has been and always will be. Perhaps for a moment they were anxious.
After all, they were going up against enemy guerrillas who knew the terrain
and the value of an ambush. It was easy to get lost in the jungle, and it
was a dangerous duty.
In 1927, the U.S. Marines were already legends on the
battlefield. Extraordinary victories in the Great War earned them a
reputation as fierce warriors. The world knew they were tough. But the
Marines still had to prove it with every deployment. Wars were not won by
reputation alone. It took courage. Conviction. And firepower.
Nicaragua proved to be more than just another successful operation for the
Marines; it was the beginning of a legendary partnership. The mission proved
that the only thing more dangerous than a United States Marine was a United
States Marine wielding a Thompson submachine gun. Nothing else looked
like the Thompson. Nothing else sounded like it. Nothing ended a Firefight faster.
The Marines carried the Thompson across the island hopping
campaigns of the Pacific during World War II. They carried it ashore at Inchon in Korea. And the Thompson
proved itself once again in the unforgiving jungle combat of Vietnam.
Together the Marines and the Thompson were unstoppable. Together they made
history.
Now, America Remembers is extremely proud to introduce the
Marine Corps Tribute Thompson, a working semi-automatic Thompson submachine
gun in caliber .45 ACP. This exciting new issue honors both the service of
the Marine Corps and their legendary partnership with one of the most
remarkable infantry weapons of the last hundred years. Craftsmen
commissioned by America Remembers decorate each working Thompson in
sparkling 24-karat gold and nickel. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a
genuine Thompson built by gunsmiths of Thompson/Auto Ordnance, the
company founded by Brigadier General John T. Thompson himself.
Once in a great while, a single firearm can change the
face of war. The United States Marine Corps was first to adopt the
Thompson after it proved itself in Central America. By the time America
entered World War II, the Thompson was a superstar in the Corps. Once called
“The deadliest weapon pound for pound, ever devised by man”, it was the
perfect weapon for the Marines, who built their reputation on engaging the
enemy face-to-face. The Thompson gave them a huge advantage in close combat
fighting and helped turn the tide of countless battles in the Pacific.
Anywhere the Marines saw action; you could hear the roar of the Thompson.
An Exclusive Limited-Edition of 300
Only 300 Tributes will be issued in this edition. Whether
you served yourself, or want to honor some special someone who did, now is
your opportunity to remember the courageous U.S. Marine, who have protected
America’s freedom for more than 235 years. A Certificate of Authenticity
also accompanies your Thompson. We will arrange delivery of your working
firearm through a licensed dealer of your choice. If you are not 100%
satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original unfired condition
for a complete and courteous refund. (Not available in CA or CT)
The receiver features the familiar “Eagle,Globe and
Anchor” decorated in gleaming nickel. Each side also features two important
banners. On the left is “Lest We Forget,” a reminder of the sacrifices made
by the U.S. Marine Corps in defense of freedom. The right side features
“First to Fight”, signifying the Marine Corps readiness to be the frontline
in defense of freedom around the world.
On the left side, you'll find a trio of scenes showing
Marines and the Thompson in combat. First is a scene of Marines raising the
flag atop Mount Suribachi, at Iwo Jima, a historic event! Next, taking the
beach during a landing on a Pacific island. Dodging a hail of bullets and
artillery shells, Marines dragged the heavy Thompson through seawater and
sand. Once they reached enemy positions, the last thing they needed was a
misfire. The trusty Thompson rarely let them down. At the center, a
Marine stands at the ready with his Thompson. Few sights were more
intimidating to the enemy.
The right side features an illustration of a Marine taking
aim with his Thompson. The rest of the action on the right side of the
receiver depicts scenes of the Marines in action during the Korean and
Vietnam Wars. On the front lines in Korea, the Marine Corps distinguished
itself with one of history's most impressive amphibious assaults at Inchon.
And though the struggles and harsh conditions in Korea would push every
American to the limit, the fighting spirit of the Marines carried on. In
Vietnam, decades after the Marines debuted the Thompson in Central America;
the firearm once again proved itself a weapon of choice for close-quarter
jungle fighting. Though appearances of the Thompson weren't as common, its
presence was definitely welcomed in the hands of Marine on patrol or pinned
down in an urban firefight.
The Marine Corps
Tribute Thompson is issued by a private, non-governmental organization to
honor America's Armed Forces. Nothing in the decoration added to the basic
firearm (including the informational content therein) is used as a
trademark. Neither the United States
Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has
supplied, approved, endorsed, or authorized this product or any portion
thereof.
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