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[[Image:PlatoonMoviePoster.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Platoon'' (1986)]] | [[Image:PlatoonMoviePoster.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Platoon'' (1986)]] | ||
'''''Platoon''''' is a 1986 Vietnam War film directed by [[Oliver Stone]], who based the film on his own experiences as a combat infantryman in both the 1st Cavalry Division and the 25th Infantry Division. The film follows a rifle platoon in Bravo Company, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, primarily through the eyes of Private Chris Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]), a young idealistic soldier on his first tour of duty. Throughout the film, Taylor experiences the conflict between two competing senior NCOs - the brave and compassionate Staff Sergeant Elias ([[Willem Dafoe]]) and hardened, ruthless Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]). The film is notable for its serious depiction of soldiers fighting the war, and for being the first movie for which the actors were put through a "boot camp" (organized by technical adviser and Vietnam veteran [[Dale Dye]]) to gain experience on proper weapons handling and the day-to-day existence of a soldier fighting in Vietnam. Released to widespread critical acclaim, the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including [[:Category:Academy Award Best Picture|Best Picture]] and Best Director. While the Vietnam War had been portrayed or referenced in several films prior, the success of ''Platoon'' helped usher in a new era of more serious and realistic depictions of the conflict. Among the films of this era would include ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]'' and ''[[Hamburger Hill]]'' (both released in 1987), ''[[BAT*21]]'' (1988) as well as ''[[The Iron Triangle]]'' and ''[[The Siege of Firebase Gloria]]'' (both released in 1989). ''Platoon'' was also the first in Stone's unofficial "trilogy" of Vietnam War-themed films which included 1989's ''[[Born on the Fourth of July]]'' and 1993's ''[[Heaven & Earth]]''. | '''''Platoon''''' is a 1986 Vietnam War film directed by [[Oliver Stone]], who based the film on his own experiences as a combat infantryman in both the 1st Cavalry Division and the 25th Infantry Division. The film follows a rifle platoon in Bravo Company, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, primarily through the eyes of Private Chris Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]), a young idealistic soldier on his first tour of duty. Throughout the film, Taylor experiences the conflict between two competing senior NCOs - the brave and compassionate Staff Sergeant Elias Grodin ([[Willem Dafoe]]) and hardened, ruthless Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]). The film is notable for its serious depiction of soldiers fighting the war, and for being the first movie for which the actors were put through a "boot camp" (organized by technical adviser and Vietnam veteran [[Dale Dye]]) to gain experience on proper weapons handling and the day-to-day existence of a soldier fighting in Vietnam. Released to widespread critical acclaim, the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including [[:Category:Academy Award Best Picture|Best Picture]] and Best Director. While the Vietnam War had been portrayed or referenced in several films prior, the success of ''Platoon'' helped usher in a new era of more serious and realistic depictions of the conflict. Among the films of this era would include ''[[Full Metal Jacket]]'' and ''[[Hamburger Hill]]'' (both released in 1987), ''[[BAT*21]]'' (1988) as well as ''[[The Iron Triangle]]'' and ''[[The Siege of Firebase Gloria]]'' (both released in 1989). ''Platoon'' was also the first in Stone's unofficial "trilogy" of Vietnam War-themed films which included 1989's ''[[Born on the Fourth of July]]'' and 1993's ''[[Heaven & Earth]]''. | ||
{{Film Title}} | {{Film Title}} | ||
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==Colt Model 653P== | ==Colt Model 653P== | ||
SSG Elias ([[Willem Dafoe]]), SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]), and Lieutenant Wolfe ([[Mark Moses]]) are armed with [[Colt Model 653|Colt Model 653P]] carbines, noted by their rounded forward assist buttons and 14.5" barrels, as the 653Ps were 653 export models sent to the Philippines. They were probably meant to stand in (albeit poorly) for the [[XM177|XM177E1 or XM177E2 Carbines]]. It is thus anachronistic to see these in the movie, as they were not used during the Vietnam war. | SSG Elias Grodin ([[Willem Dafoe]]), SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]), and Lieutenant Wolfe ([[Mark Moses]]) are armed with [[Colt Model 653|Colt Model 653P]] carbines, noted by their rounded forward assist buttons and 14.5" barrels, as the 653Ps were 653 export models sent to the Philippines. They were probably meant to stand in (albeit poorly) for the [[XM177|XM177E1 or XM177E2 Carbines]]. It is thus anachronistic to see these in the movie, as they were not used during the Vietnam war. | ||
[[Image:ColtM653Carbine.jpg|thumb|500px|none|Colt Model 653 'M16A1 Carbine' - 5.56x45mm NATO]] | [[Image:ColtM653Carbine.jpg|thumb|500px|none|Colt Model 653 'M16A1 Carbine' - 5.56x45mm NATO]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonColt654-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes | [[Image:PlatoonColt654-1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes approaches a dead Vietnamese soldier with his Colt Model 653P at the ready. Note how he keeps two mags taped together "jungle-style".]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonColt654-3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Barnes locks and loads his Model 653P.]] | [[Image:PlatoonColt654-3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) locks and loads his Model 653P.]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon Barnes ColtModel653P.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Barnes stands with his Colt 653P over a wounded NVA soldier .]] | [[Image:Platoon Barnes ColtModel653P.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Barnes stands with his Colt 653P over a wounded NVA soldier .]] | ||
[[File:Bercolt.jpg|thumb|none|301px|Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) holds his M653P in a production image.]] | [[File:Bercolt.jpg|thumb|none|301px|Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) holds his M653P in a production image.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonColt654-5.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Barnes raises his [[Colt Model 653|Colt Model 653P]].]] | [[Image:PlatoonColt654-5.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Barnes raises his [[Colt Model 653|Colt Model 653P]].]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonColt654-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Staff Sergeant Elias ([[Willem Dafoe]]) with his Colt 653P.]] | [[Image:PlatoonColt654-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Staff Sergeant Elias Grodin ([[Willem Dafoe]]) with his Colt 653P.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonColt654-7.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Closeup of Elias' Model 653P.]] | [[Image:PlatoonColt654-7.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Closeup of Elias' Model 653P.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonColt654-6.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Lieutenant Wolfe ([[Mark Moses]]) with his Colt 653P.]] | [[Image:PlatoonColt654-6.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Lieutenant Wolfe ([[Mark Moses]]) with his Colt 653P.]] | ||
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==Norinco Type 56== | ==Norinco Type 56== | ||
The [[Norinco Type 56]] is the weapon of choice of the NVA soldiers, many of which feature "pig-sticker" under folder bayonets. They are noted as Chinese Type 56 rifles based on their hooded front sights. Only the milled receiver variant of this rifle was actually used during the war. Towards the end of the film, both | The [[Norinco Type 56]] is the weapon of choice of the NVA soldiers, many of which feature "pig-sticker" under folder bayonets. They are noted as Chinese Type 56 rifles based on their hooded front sights. Only the milled receiver variant of this rifle was actually used during the war. Towards the end of the film, both SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) and PVT Chris Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]) are seen using these rifles, picked up from dead Vietnamese soldiers. | ||
[[Image:Early type 56.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Norinco Type 56, early model with milled receiver and with pig-sticker bayonet - 7.62x39mm]] | [[Image:Early type 56.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Norinco Type 56, early model with milled receiver and with pig-sticker bayonet - 7.62x39mm]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonType56-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An NVA soldier approaches Taylor's position armed with a Norinco Type 56.]] | [[Image:PlatoonType56-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An NVA soldier approaches Taylor's position armed with a Norinco Type 56.]] | ||
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[[Image:PlatoonType56-3.jpg|thumb|none|602px|A Type 56 is seen behind SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]).]] | [[Image:PlatoonType56-3.jpg|thumb|none|602px|A Type 56 is seen behind SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]).]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonType56-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The Vietnamese hand out magazines to the troops as they prepare to assault during the final stand.]] | [[Image:PlatoonType56-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|The Vietnamese hand out magazines to the troops as they prepare to assault during the final stand.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonType56-7.jpg|thumb|none|602px| | [[Image:PlatoonType56-7.jpg|thumb|none|602px|Barnes wields a Type 56 during the final stand.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonType56-8.jpg|thumb|none|602px|A shell-shocked PVT Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]) picks up Type 56 from a dead Vietnamese soldier.]] | [[Image:PlatoonType56-8.jpg|thumb|none|602px|A shell-shocked PVT Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]) picks up Type 56 from a dead Vietnamese soldier.]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon Taylor Type56.jpg|thumb|none|602px|Taylor approaches a wounded soldier with the Type 56.]] | [[Image:Platoon Taylor Type56.jpg|thumb|none|602px|Taylor approaches a wounded soldier with the Type 56.]] | ||
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The [[M60 machine gun]], sometimes affectionately called "The Pig" by US soldiers in Vietnam, is carried primarily by King ([[Keith David]]) in the film. As was typical in Vietnam, the M60 is seen in the film operated by two soldiers, a gunner and an assistant gunner who "feeds" the ammo. | The [[M60 machine gun]], sometimes affectionately called "The Pig" by US soldiers in Vietnam, is carried primarily by King ([[Keith David]]) in the film. As was typical in Vietnam, the M60 is seen in the film operated by two soldiers, a gunner and an assistant gunner who "feeds" the ammo. | ||
[[Image:M60.jpg|thumb|none|500px|M60 machine gun - 7.62x51mm]] | [[Image:M60.jpg|thumb|none|500px|M60 machine gun - 7.62x51mm]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM60-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px| | [[Image:PlatoonM60-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|SSG Elias Grodin ([[Willem Dafoe]]) lugs the 23 lb. [[M60 machine gun|"Pig"]] on his shoulders on patrol. Elias does not carry or use the weapon in any other scene.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM60-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Lerner ([[Johnny Depp]]) sits on watch with a M60 behind him.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM60-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Lerner ([[Johnny Depp]]) sits on watch with a M60 behind him.]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon Tex M60MG.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Tex ([[David Neidorf]]) fires the M60 during the ambush while Pvt. Junior Martin ([[Reggie Johnson]]) feeds him the ammunition belt.]] | [[Image:Platoon Tex M60MG.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Tex ([[David Neidorf]]) fires the M60 during the ambush while Pvt. Junior Martin ([[Reggie Johnson]]) feeds him the ammunition belt.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM60-3.jpg|thumb|none|601px|King ([[Keith David]]) carries his M60 while on patrol. He keeps in the typical Vietnam configuration with the bipod down.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM60-3.jpg|thumb|none|601px|King ([[Keith David]]) carries his M60 while on patrol. He keeps in the typical Vietnam configuration with the bipod down.]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon BigHarold Huffmeister M60MG.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Morehouse ([[Kevin Eshelman]]) fires the M60 as Big Harold ([[Forest Whitaker]]) "feeds" the ammo.]] | [[Image:Platoon BigHarold Huffmeister M60MG.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Morehouse ([[Kevin Eshelman]]) fires the M60 as Big Harold ([[Forest Whitaker]]) "feeds" the ammo.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM60-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|King fires the M60. Note the bottleneck rounds on the belt.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM60-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|King fires the M60. Note the bottleneck blank rounds on the belt.]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon Huey M60MG.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An M60 in a door gunner mount on a UH-1 'Huey'.]] | [[Image:Platoon Huey M60MG.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An M60 in a door gunner mount on a UH-1 'Huey'.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM60-5.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A helicopter door gunner (played by technical adviser [[Dale Dye]]) covers the soldiers with the door-mounted M60.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM60-5.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A helicopter door gunner (played by technical adviser [[Dale Dye]]) covers the soldiers with the door-mounted M60.]] | ||
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[[Image:Platoon M113 M2HB.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A side-shot of the M2HB on the APC.]] | [[Image:Platoon M113 M2HB.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A side-shot of the M2HB on the APC.]] | ||
== FN MAG 58 == | ==FN MAG 58== | ||
When the soldiers are digging through the weapons cache found in the village, | When the soldiers are digging through the weapons cache found in the village, what appears to be an [[FN MAG]] can be seen briefly. | ||
[[Image:FNMAG.jpg|thumb|none|500px|FN MAG 58 - 7.62x51mm NATO]] | [[Image:FNMAG.jpg|thumb|none|500px|FN MAG 58 - 7.62x51mm NATO]] | ||
[[ File:PlatoonLMG.jpg |thumb|none|601px|Weapons cache. Note | [[ File:PlatoonLMG.jpg |thumb|none|601px|Weapons cache. Note what appears to be a MAG on the left.]] | ||
=Shotguns= | =Shotguns= | ||
==Remington 870 Wingmaster== | ==Remington 870 Wingmaster== | ||
Bunny ([[Kevin Dillon]]) uses a [[Remington 870]] | Bunny ([[Kevin Dillon]]) uses a [[Remington 870|Remington 870 Wingmaster]] shotgun with open blade sights throughout the film. | ||
[[Image:Remington870SlugGun.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Remington 870 Slug Gun - 12 Gauge]] | [[Image:Remington870SlugGun.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Remington 870 Slug Gun - 12 Gauge]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Bunny ([[Kevin Dillon]]) fires his Remington 870.]] | [[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Bunny ([[Kevin Dillon]]) fires his Remington 870.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px| | [[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|SSG Elias Grodin ([[Willem Dafoe]]) lets PVT Chris Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]) "ride shotgun" with an 870. This particular scene was referenced in a Season 3 episode of ''[[Justified - Season 3|Justified]]''.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Bunny leaves the village with his 870 in hand. Note the trigger guard which has been polished to a bare aluminium finish, which helps I.D. it as the same shotgun in other scenes.]] | [[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Bunny leaves the village with his 870 in hand. Note the trigger guard which has been polished to a bare aluminium finish, which helps I.D. it as the same shotgun in other scenes.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|King ([[Keith David]]) with the same 870.]] | [[Image:PlatoonRem870deer-4.jpg|thumb|none|601px|King ([[Keith David]]) with the same 870.]] | ||
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=Handguns= | =Handguns= | ||
==M1911A1== | ==M1911A1== | ||
The [[M1911A1]] is the standard sidearm for all of the NCOs and Officers in the film. It is most prominently seen used by | The [[M1911A1]] is the standard sidearm for all of the NCOs and Officers in the film. It is most prominently seen used by SSG Elias Grodin ([[Willem Dafoe]]) when he does tunnel rat duty and SSG Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) when he uses it to threaten a little girl in the village to get her father to talk. | ||
[[Image:M1911Colt.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Colt M1911A1 - .45 ACP]] | [[Image:M1911Colt.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Colt M1911A1 - .45 ACP]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM1911A1-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An M1911A1 is seen in | [[Image:PlatoonM1911A1-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An M1911A1 is seen in Elias Grodin's ([[Willem Dafoe]]) holster.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM1911A1-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Tex's ([[David Neidorf]]) M1911A1 sits next to his helmet.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM1911A1-2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Tex's ([[David Neidorf]]) M1911A1 sits next to his helmet.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM1911A1-3.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Elias on tunnel-rat duty with his flashlight and .45 at the ready.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM1911A1-3.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Elias on tunnel-rat duty with his flashlight and .45 at the ready.]] | ||
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=Launchers= | =Launchers= | ||
==M72 LAW== | ==M72 LAW== | ||
[[M72 LAW]] launchers are seen strapped on several of the soldier's packs, notably the pack of | [[M72 LAW]] launchers are seen strapped on several of the soldier's packs, notably the pack of PVT Chris Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]). It is also seen used by SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) during the final stand. | ||
[[Image:M72A2LAW.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M72 LAW - 66mm]] | [[Image:M72A2LAW.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M72 LAW - 66mm]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM72LAW-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An M72 LAW is seen strapped to the pack of Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]).]] | [[Image:PlatoonM72LAW-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|An M72 LAW is seen strapped to the pack of Taylor ([[Charlie Sheen]]).]] | ||
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[[Image:PlatoonM72LAW-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Taylor's M72 LAW carried on his pack when in the village.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM72LAW-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Taylor's M72 LAW carried on his pack when in the village.]] | ||
[[File:Morehouse M72LAW.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Morehouse ([[Kevin Eshelman]]) carries an M16A1 rifle and an M72 LAW on his pack.]] | [[File:Morehouse M72LAW.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Morehouse ([[Kevin Eshelman]]) carries an M16A1 rifle and an M72 LAW on his pack.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM72LAW-3.jpg|thumb|none|601px| | [[Image:PlatoonM72LAW-3.jpg|thumb|none|601px|SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) fires his M72 LAW during the final stand.]] | ||
==M79 grenade launcher== | ==M79 grenade launcher== | ||
While never seen used in the film, the [[M79 grenade launcher]] AKA the "Blooper", is carried by several soldiers in the film, including Tubbs (Andrew B. Clark), a member of Red's squad. The weapon is never seen fired during the movie. | While never seen used in the film, the [[M79 grenade launcher]] AKA the "Blooper", is carried by several soldiers in the film, including Tubbs (Andrew B. Clark), a member of Red's squad. The weapon is never seen fired during the movie. | ||
[[Image:M79-Grenade-Launcher.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M79 "Blooper" - | [[Image:M79-Grenade-Launcher.jpg|thumb|none|450px|M79 "Blooper" - 40x46mm]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM79GL-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|"Sandy" Sanderson (J. Adam Glover) out on patrol armed with his M79 grenade launcher.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM79GL-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|"Sandy" Sanderson (J. Adam Glover) out on patrol armed with his M79 grenade launcher.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM79GL-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Tubbs searches the village with his M79 in hand.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM79GL-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Tubbs searches the village with his M79 in hand.]] | ||
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==B-40== | ==B-40== | ||
Several NVA soldiers are armed with [[RPG-2|B- | Several NVA soldiers are armed with [[RPG-2|B-40s]], a Vietnamese copy of the RPG-2. | ||
[[Image:Rpg-2.jpg|thumb|none|450px|RPG-2 with PG-2 rocket - 40mm]] | [[Image:Rpg-2.jpg|thumb|none|450px|RPG-2 with PG-2 rocket - 40mm]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonRPG-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A Vietnamese soldier with a B-40.]] | [[Image:PlatoonRPG-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A Vietnamese soldier with a B-40.]] | ||
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The [[M26 hand grenade]] is seen as the standard issue grenade carried by the members of 1st Platoon. | The [[M26 hand grenade]] is seen as the standard issue grenade carried by the members of 1st Platoon. | ||
[[Image:200px-M-67handgrenade.jpg|thumb|none|150px|M26 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade.]] | [[Image:200px-M-67handgrenade.jpg|thumb|none|150px|M26 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM26lemon-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|As | [[Image:PlatoonM26lemon-1.jpg|thumb|none|601px|As PVT Taylor glances at the claymore detonator, several M26 grenades are visible.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonM26lemon-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A primed M26 grenade rolls around before detonating.]] | [[Image:PlatoonM26lemon-2.jpg|thumb|none|601px|A primed M26 grenade rolls around before detonating.]] | ||
==M34 White Phosphorous Grenade== | ==M34 White Phosphorous Grenade== | ||
Ebenhoch (Mark Ebenhoch) is seen throwing an [[M34 White Phosphorous grenade]] (also called "Willy Pete" - slang for White Phosphorous) in one of the rice wells during the raid of the village. | Ebenhoch (Mark Ebenhoch) is seen throwing an [[M34 White Phosphorous grenade]] (also called "Willy Pete" - slang for White Phosphorous) in one of the rice wells during the raid of the village. SSG Robert Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) also uses an M34 Grenade handed to him by Tony ([[Ivan Kane]]) to destroy one of the underground tunnels, this time yelling "Willie Pete!" when he throws the grenade. | ||
[[Image:M34 2-1-.jpg|thumb|none|150px|M34 White Phosphorous grenade]] | [[Image:M34 2-1-.jpg|thumb|none|150px|M34 White Phosphorous grenade]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon Barnes Ebenhoch M34WP.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Tony ([[Ivan Kane]]) hands | [[Image:Platoon Barnes Ebenhoch M34WP.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Tony ([[Ivan Kane]]) hands Barnes ([[Tom Berenger]]) an M34 White Phosphorous grenade.]] | ||
[[Image:PlatoonThermite.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Ebenhoch (Mark Ebenhoch) readies an M34 White Phosphorous grenade to be tossed into well.]] | [[Image:PlatoonThermite.jpg|thumb|none|601px|Ebenhoch (Mark Ebenhoch) readies an M34 White Phosphorous grenade to be tossed into well.]] | ||
==Type 67 Stick Grenade== | ==Type 67 Stick Grenade== | ||
The Chinese [[Type 67 stick grenade]] is seen also carried by NVA forces in the film. | The Chinese [[Type 67 stick grenade]] is seen also carried by NVA forces in the film. Several grenades are seen in a hidden weapons cache that is being prepared to be detonated. | ||
[[Image:Type67Grenade.jpg|thumb|none|150px|none|Type 67 hand grenade]] | [[Image:Type67Grenade.jpg|thumb|none|150px|none|Type 67 hand grenade]] | ||
[[Image:Platoon 213.jpg|thumb|none|601px| Several grenades are seen in a hidden weapons cache that is being prepared to be detonated.]] | [[Image:Platoon 213.jpg|thumb|none|601px| Several grenades are seen in a hidden weapons cache that is being prepared to be detonated.]] | ||
[[Category:Movie]] | [[Category:Movie]] | ||
Revision as of 06:59, 13 February 2016
Platoon is a 1986 Vietnam War film directed by Oliver Stone, who based the film on his own experiences as a combat infantryman in both the 1st Cavalry Division and the 25th Infantry Division. The film follows a rifle platoon in Bravo Company, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, primarily through the eyes of Private Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), a young idealistic soldier on his first tour of duty. Throughout the film, Taylor experiences the conflict between two competing senior NCOs - the brave and compassionate Staff Sergeant Elias Grodin (Willem Dafoe) and hardened, ruthless Staff Sergeant Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger). The film is notable for its serious depiction of soldiers fighting the war, and for being the first movie for which the actors were put through a "boot camp" (organized by technical adviser and Vietnam veteran Dale Dye) to gain experience on proper weapons handling and the day-to-day existence of a soldier fighting in Vietnam. Released to widespread critical acclaim, the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Picture and Best Director. While the Vietnam War had been portrayed or referenced in several films prior, the success of Platoon helped usher in a new era of more serious and realistic depictions of the conflict. Among the films of this era would include Full Metal Jacket and Hamburger Hill (both released in 1987), BAT*21 (1988) as well as The Iron Triangle and The Siege of Firebase Gloria (both released in 1989). Platoon was also the first in Stone's unofficial "trilogy" of Vietnam War-themed films which included 1989's Born on the Fourth of July and 1993's Heaven & Earth.
The following weapons were used in the film Platoon:
Rifles / Carbines
M16
Crawford (Chris Pedersen) is briefly seen using what appears to be an original M16. The rifle has an A1 flash hider, but lacks a forward assist. It could also be an AR-15/SP1 rifle, but since he is not seen firing it, it is unknown.
M16A1
Soldiers of the 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" carry M16A1s, most commonly seen in the hands of PVT Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen). M16A1s are also carried by Big Harold (Forest Whitaker), Manny (Corkey Ford), Francis (Corey Glover) and Sergeant Red O'Neill (John C. McGinley).
Colt Model 653P
SSG Elias Grodin (Willem Dafoe), SSG Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger), and Lieutenant Wolfe (Mark Moses) are armed with Colt Model 653P carbines, noted by their rounded forward assist buttons and 14.5" barrels, as the 653Ps were 653 export models sent to the Philippines. They were probably meant to stand in (albeit poorly) for the XM177E1 or XM177E2 Carbines. It is thus anachronistic to see these in the movie, as they were not used during the Vietnam war.
Norinco Type 56
The Norinco Type 56 is the weapon of choice of the NVA soldiers, many of which feature "pig-sticker" under folder bayonets. They are noted as Chinese Type 56 rifles based on their hooded front sights. Only the milled receiver variant of this rifle was actually used during the war. Towards the end of the film, both SSG Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger) and PVT Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) are seen using these rifles, picked up from dead Vietnamese soldiers.
Machine Guns
M60
The M60 machine gun, sometimes affectionately called "The Pig" by US soldiers in Vietnam, is carried primarily by King (Keith David) in the film. As was typical in Vietnam, the M60 is seen in the film operated by two soldiers, a gunner and an assistant gunner who "feeds" the ammo.
Browning M2HB
A Browning M2HB heavy machine gun is seen mounted on for use on an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier after the final stand.
FN MAG 58
When the soldiers are digging through the weapons cache found in the village, what appears to be an FN MAG can be seen briefly.
Shotguns
Remington 870 Wingmaster
Bunny (Kevin Dillon) uses a Remington 870 Wingmaster shotgun with open blade sights throughout the film.
Bunny dug in for the last stand with his 870.
Handguns
M1911A1
The M1911A1 is the standard sidearm for all of the NCOs and Officers in the film. It is most prominently seen used by SSG Elias Grodin (Willem Dafoe) when he does tunnel rat duty and SSG Barnes (Tom Berenger) when he uses it to threaten a little girl in the village to get her father to talk.
Launchers
M72 LAW
M72 LAW launchers are seen strapped on several of the soldier's packs, notably the pack of PVT Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen). It is also seen used by SSG Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger) during the final stand.
M79 grenade launcher
While never seen used in the film, the M79 grenade launcher AKA the "Blooper", is carried by several soldiers in the film, including Tubbs (Andrew B. Clark), a member of Red's squad. The weapon is never seen fired during the movie.
B-40
Several NVA soldiers are armed with B-40s, a Vietnamese copy of the RPG-2.
Grenades
M26 Hand Grenade
The M26 hand grenade is seen as the standard issue grenade carried by the members of 1st Platoon.
M34 White Phosphorous Grenade
Ebenhoch (Mark Ebenhoch) is seen throwing an M34 White Phosphorous grenade (also called "Willy Pete" - slang for White Phosphorous) in one of the rice wells during the raid of the village. SSG Robert Barnes (Tom Berenger) also uses an M34 Grenade handed to him by Tony (Ivan Kane) to destroy one of the underground tunnels, this time yelling "Willie Pete!" when he throws the grenade.
Type 67 Stick Grenade
The Chinese Type 67 stick grenade is seen also carried by NVA forces in the film. Several grenades are seen in a hidden weapons cache that is being prepared to be detonated.
