Happy Airborne Day

[Jo Sul]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Aug2...200108091.html

President's Proclamation for National Airborne Day, Aug. 16

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

[Pete]

Thanks for posting it.

[EX-Gold Falcon]

Your post brought back memories of the Airborne celebration in DC back in 90.

4/325 jumping into Andrews, one trooper went through the windscreen of an AF maintence truck (unhurt) another one landing in a radar dish.

Watching several seriously wasted senior NCOS throwing up in the hotel fountain at Crystal City and marching in the parade when at least 80% of the batt was still drunk from the nite before! All in all a great time.

Ah yes, 4/325 upheld Airborne's finest traditions in "painting the town red" when we visited DC that year.

Thanks for the memories!


T.