Today marks the 68th Anniversary of the first US military parachute jump by members of the US Army’s Parachute Test Platoon, which became the vanguard for the formation of the Airborne Divisions of World War II and have continued their traditions to today. This article in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer details the latest graduates of “Jump School” of which I am a proud graduate myself. To commemorate today, here are two art prints from one of my favorite military artists James Dietz who has generously allowed me to use his work. His main site is here and is always a great place to see and buy artwork showing the courage and determination of our troops, of all eras. After the prints, I’ve posted the Airborne Creed from the Infantry Schools website here, which has more history of the Airborne.
We salute all past and present members of the Airborne including my Uncle Humbert Pernotto, now passed on, who was a Paratrooper and “Glider Rider” in World War II. Airborne All the Way!
"Seize the Day": 505th Parachute Infantry Liberates Ste. Mere Eglise, 1944
After conducting a night parachute assault into the French region of Normandy, soldiers of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment reached their objective, the French town of Ste. Mere Eglise. Small bands of paratroopers linked up under a dark French night and made their way to the town. As more paratroopers began to arrive, the leaders planned a hasty defense of the first liberated town in all of occupied Europe from the German counterattack that was sure to come.
"On Any Given Day": The Paratroopers of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division deployed in August 2006 to Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Based at FOB Summerall, near the key city of Bayji, they engaged in sustained combat operations for 15 months and then redeployed to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in October 2007
- THE AIRBORNE CREED
- I am an Airborne trooper! A PARATROOPER!
- I jump by parachute from any plane in flight. I volunteered to do it, knowing well the hazards of my choice.
- I serve in a mighty Airborne Force--famed for deeds in war--renowned for readiness in peace. It is my pledge to uphold its honor and prestige in all I am--in all I do.
- I am an elite trooper--a sky trooper--a shock trooper--a spearhead trooper. I blaze the way to far-flung goals--behind, before, above the foe's front line.
- I know that I may have to fight without support for days on end. Therefore, I keep mind and body always fit to do my part in any Airborne task. I am self-reliant and unafraid. I shoot true, and march fast and far. I fight hard and excel in every art and artifice of war.
- I never fail a fellow trooper. I cherish as a sacred trust the lives of men with whom I serve. Leaders have my fullest loyalty, and those I lead never find me lacking.
- I have pride in the Airborne! I never let it down!
- In peace, I do not shrink the dullest of duty not protest the toughest training. My weapons and equipment are always combat ready. I am neat of dress--military in courtesy--proper in conduct and behavior.
- In battle, I fear no foe's ability, nor under-estimate his prowess, power and guile. I fight him with all my might and skills--ever alert to evade capture or escape a trap. I never surrender, though I be the last.
- My goal in peace or war is to succeed in any mission of the day--or die, if needs be, in the try.
- I belong to a proud and glorious team--the Airborne, the Army, my Country. I am its chosen pride to fight where others may not go--to serve them well until the final victory.
- I am the trooper of the sky! I am my Nation's best! In peace and war I never fail. Anywhere, anytime, in anything--I AM AIRBORNE!