ACTION MAN

American Green Beret 1967

Period: Painted Head

Dates: 1967 until c.1969

Cat No: 34116

American Green Beret Description:

The basic Action Man Action Soldier figure from 1966, could be accessorised with one of these popular uniforms from the range entitled "Soldiers of the Century" that first appeared in c.1967 and appear in the 1968 Equipment Manual. They included the British Infantryman, German Stormtrooper, Russian Infantryman, Australian Jungle Fighter, French Resistance Fighter and American Green Beret. All sets were available in one complete set, or on two 'half cards'. Also included with the set was the 'Intelligence Manual' - showing line drawings of all the 'Soldiers of the Century', their equipment and a brief summary of their exploits. The original side panels on the packaging were adorned by artwork by American Sam Petrucci of the US design agency Thresher and Petrucci.

Action Man Soldiers of the Century Range:

34116:

ACTION MAN AMERICAN GREEN BERET SET: Jacket, trousers, camo scarf, green beret, boots (tall brown), M-16 rifle, pistol belt (with slider) holster, .45 pistol, field radio (camo), grenades, Silver Star Medal, Equipment Manual, Intelligence Manual.

Equipment 'Half' Cards:

34227:

ACTION MAN AMERICAN GREEN BERET UNIFORM: Jacket, trousers, camo scarf, green beret, boots (tall brown) Intelligence Manual, Equipment Manual.

34217:

ACTION MAN AMERICAN GREEN BERET EQUIPMENT: M-16 rifle, pistol belt (with slider) holster, .45 pistol, field radio (camo), grenades, Silver Star Medal, Equipment Manual, Intelligence Manual.

Notes:

The Action Man American Green Beret appeared in 1967 within the 'Soldiers of the Century' (SOTC) range. It didn't make the cut into the later 'Soldiers of the World' range - being dropped in favour of the French Foreign Legion it seems. The set only appears in the 1968 Equipment Manual and is one of the rarer of issues. The Silver Star medal is a particular rarity and it was not issue in the USA. The camo 'bib' scarf is often lost and is therefore also hard to find. There are two distinct shades of uniform - one is a vivid green, and one a more realistic khaki/green. Components of uniform and weapons were also available on accessory cards.