USMC The Battle of Okinawa – A Bolt Action 28mm Project
Last month, I had the pleasure of completing a 28mm United States Marine Corps infantry force for a client. The army, built around the Battle of Okinawa, features several squads and a variety of specialist teams, all from Warlord Games' Bolt Action range.
The Warlord Games figures have so much character
Veteran Forces and Weathered Uniforms
The client envisioned a seasoned, battle-hardened force, and I aimed to reflect this with muted and weathered uniforms. Using drybrushing techniques with Deck Tan, I gave the figures a subdued, dusty look, capturing the wear and tear of prolonged combat. To add even more character, I applied a glaze of German Grey to create subtle 6 o’clock shadows on several of the figures’ faces—a small detail that really brings these veterans to life.
Weapons Teams and Characterful Miniatures
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was working on the weapons and radio operator teams. Warlord’s sculpts offer a great deal of character, and these models were no exception. The force includes flamethrowers, bazookas, mortars, BARs, and even shotguns—an arsenal that adds depth and tactical flexibility to the collection.
Arid-Themed Basing
For the bases, I used Vallejo Brown Earth paste as a foundation, adding sand, rocks, and sparse tufts of dry vegetation. To maintain the dry, arid theme the client requested, I kept greenery to a minimum, instead focusing on beige and brown tones with scrubland for a parched battlefield effect.
Client Feedback
It’s always rewarding to hear positive feedback from a client. Here’s what they had to say:
"Your packing job was insane, mate! Very well done and much appreciated. The army looks great! Couldn’t be happier."
A Satisfying Collection
There’s something immensely gratifying about seeing the entire force come together after weeks of dedicated work. This collection is not only visually impressive but also offers a strong foundation for future additions. Perhaps some armour or heavier machine guns, like a .50 cal, could be next to add even more firepower.
Final Thoughts
Projects like this remind me why I love running a miniature commission service—turning a vision into reality and helping fellow gamers build armies they can be proud of. Thank you to the client for trusting me with this project, and I can’t wait to see this force in action on the tabletop.
Thanks for reading.
Matt
