Posted on 08/16/2008 7:00:14 PM PDT by smokingfrog
President's Proclamation for National Airborne Day, Aug. 16
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2001 – Sixty-one years ago, 48 brave volunteer members of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon pioneered a new method of warfare. Their successful jump led to the creation of a mighty force of more than 100,000 paratroopers. Members of this force were assigned to the legendary 11th, 13th, 17th, 82d and 101st Airborne Divisions and numerous other units that fought in every theater during World War II.
The soldiers of the Parachute Test Platoon also forged a unique warrior spirit, a relentless passion for victory, and a reputation that still strikes fear in potential adversaries. Beginning with the first combat jump by the men of the 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, over North Africa in November 1942, airborne and special operations soldiers have made a total of 93 combat jumps. Since World War II, paratroopers have continually distinguished themselves in battle, earning 69 Congressional Medals of Honor and hundreds of other awards for valor.
Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of the first official Army parachute jump, I join all Americans in recognizing these heroes. We salute our Nation's sky troopers, both past and present, for their great service and personal sacrifice in the defense of freedom and liberty around the world.
Best wishes to all for a memorable observance.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Congratulations! :-))
waitin’ for that green light...
My son is at Airborne school now at Fort Benning. Go Army! He makes his first jump next week.
Among his and my mom's keepsakes, I found his jump book and he had over 85 jumps. He was a good and brave man. Better than me. I get afraid on top of a short ladder.
He always said he'd rather jump from a C119 than have to land in the damn thing.
I still have his uniforms, including the pinks and greens, his Bronze Star and other ribbons, commendations and medals. Can't get rid of them.
Geronimo!
Thanks!
I will always be proud and honored to be a member of the Airborne Brotherhood!
Airborne All The Way!!!
Has your son told you about "cardiac hill"? If he ever hears a story from the Big guys about a 5-ft paratrooper who crashed on cardiac hill in the last 10th of a mile; but with sheer determination crawled to finish against 6fters; turned right did the whole run again, and finished - he's talking about my daughter. My son-in-law has just left Fort Benning (2nd time) for different training; and apparently, my daughter's story is still being told to newbies; now 7 years later.
Worst jump I ever had was from a C119! I remember the crew had coffee cans on the ground underneath the engines to catch all the dripping oil.
lol! Thank you for serving!
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