A Paratrooper’s Faith and a Legacy of Love

Aug 2

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A BREAK IN THE ROUTINE TO HONOR A PARATROOPER WHO FOUGHT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLOBE AND HIS MOTHER WHO FOUGHT AT HOME. (NEAR THE BOTTOM – PLEASE FIND WHERE TO “CLICK HERE” TO VIEW THE CONTENTS OF THE BOOK)

TalesAlongTheWay

 FIGHTER FAITH
 by Jason Ladd
 This is my family story about a brother who gave his life for freedom, long before my birth,  and my mama who used her unspeakable pain and sacrifice to inspire and encourage soldiers going forth, and even today.   Anne 
 

A Paratrooper’s Faith and a Legacy of Love

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a paratroopers faith

Green Light

On June 5th, 1944, high above a war raging in Europe, a paratrooper’s faith helped calm a 20-year-old soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division. The vibration of the military transport plane might have put George to sleep if not for the peril he was about to face. He was about to jump under cover of darkness into occupied France with fellow paratroopers from 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He closed his eyes and recalled a quote he memorized long ago:

Hard things…

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About GP

Everett Smith served with the Headquarters Company, 187th Regiment, 11th A/B Division during WWII. This site is in tribute to my father, "Smitty." GP is a member of the 11th Airborne Association. Member # 4511 and extremely proud of that fact!

Posted on August 2, 2014, in Uncategorized, WWII and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 71 Comments.

  2. annetbell | June 29, 2016 at 3:56 PM

    Hi guess what? There is a mistake on my brother’s stone! Just found it today. Check out the website my son made for George. A reader saw the mistake. Hope we can correct it. HOpe you are well!
    Dr Bil
    1:31 PM (2 hours ago)

    to me
    Yes, there is a mistake. He was in the 82nd Airborne Division instead of the 17th Airborne Division. The 17th did not make the D-Day Drop. They fought in Belgium and jumped later in 1945 with the British 6th Airborne.

    So, the mistake that should be corrected was that George was in the 82nd Airborne instead of the 17th Airborne Division.

    Might be a fantastic PR opportunity to publicize the Blue Book.

    Bil

    WEBSITE : http://www.aparatroopersfaith.org A Paratroopers Faith.org

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  5. annetbell | September 25, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    I just heard from Tracey and she said that the story is in Public Domain along with pictures that can be used. the soldier ‘s name is Corporal Martin Windmill MC. Mom has a position at the American Cemetery in Cambridge, England. She didn’t say that her name and position could be used so I am wondering how you will explain it. . . Do you want to say “It has come to my attention. . . . or something like that or do you want to tell the connection with me trying to get information into the Visitors Center in Cambridge about GBTIII? That is how it happened. I finally got her name from someone at St Mere Eglise and wrote her and she responded and we connected. I love to connect with people. I am going to write a post as well. You inspired me! Her name is Tracey and is used in an article I read. Not sure if it had her position and last name. See if you can make heads or tails from this mess of words and let me know if I can help you ! Smiles. . .

    Liked by 1 person

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    • GP Cox | September 25, 2015 at 1:41 PM

      I will see what’s out there and probably mention you [along with a link, of course]. I can’t say what or when until I get all my info together – remember this is the ETO of which I am not all that adept, but I will do my best.

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  6. annetbell | September 25, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    Haylock Tracey
    4:31 AM (4 hours ago)

    to me
    Thank you Anne, I have been reading everyday on the internet and I have found it very interesting.

    I will be incorporating it into my tours in the future.

    Kind regards

    Tracey

    From: Anne Bell [mailto:anne.t.bell@gmail.com]
    Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2015 7:53 PM
    To: Haylock Tracey
    Subject: Re: Paratroopers Faith

    Anne Bell
    8:39 AM (1 minute ago)

    to Haylock
    Oh how lovely! And I have a question for you . . . I have a blog started when we first went to India. My husband is a professor of architecture and lead groups of students. It was life changing for me and I fell in love with the Indian people. I have over 900 posts but not all India. Jan. -May 2013 and 2015 (same months)

    http://www.talesalongtheway.com

    I would like to tell Martin’s story and post his picture in his uniform if you give permission.

    Another friend to whom I sent your letter wants to publish your letter about Martin, but I am asking you first.

    http://www.pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com.

    Oh there is more to the story, but enough this morning!

    Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. annetbell | September 24, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    Haylock Tracey
    Sep 23 (1 day ago)

    to me
    Dear Anne

    We would be delighted to have a copy of the ‘Paratroopers Faith’ kept here at the Cambridge American Cemetery. When we do tours of the airborne divisions that were based here in the UK it would be lovely to show them what he kept with him at all times.

    On another note my son is in the British Parachute Regiment and has completed 3 tours of Afghanistan and one tour of Iraq. He is only 28 and has been in the Parachute Regiment since he was a boy at 16. He completed his tour of Iraq when he was 18 and the others followed. He won a Military Cross for gallantry (2nd highest bravery award under the Victoria Cross) on his second tour of Afghanistan when he was 23 by saving the lives of two of the younger paratroopers while on patrol. As a mother I can sincerely empathize with George’s mother.

    Unfortunately we are unable to pay for the postage of the book.

    Kind regards

    Tracey

    This is from the American Cemetery in Cambridge where GBTIII is buried. I am so excited and thankful that now there will be something to tell his story both at St Mere Eglese and at Cambridge. Thanks for your help and support. I told Pierre! Hugs!

    I just thought to post this here. Leave it if you want. There were more emails but this is the jest!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. annetbell | August 11, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    Any idea how I can get an email address for a real person at the Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise? I want to get George’s picture marked with his name, ( pictures is there but not marked) and have a Paratrooper’s Faith placed next to it. I have documentation to send but no idea how to send it. I have checked the websites but there really isn’t anything useful there. Maybe one of your readers might know? Thanks in advance for any help, dear friend!

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. annetbell | June 5, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    Anne Bell
    8:46 AM (49 minutes ago)

    to Bil, Bil, Bil
    Hi Anne,
    Did you ever hear back from the museum in St Mere Eglise? I will be going there in Sept. and have written to our tour guide, a retired British soldier, asking if I would have time to look for your brother’s display to take a picture. He has kindly answered that he will not only look for the display, but that we would make a stop at La Fiere bridge. In order to help him I will send an article with George’s picture. This will be my second visit to that area, but first time inside the museum.
    Reply

    annetbell says:
    June 5, 2015 at 12:29 pm (Edit)
    Oh, I have goosebumps! Do you have a copy of the Paratrooper’s Faith? You can google Paratrooper’s Faith my mama’s obit. Anne Archer Hogshead Tullidge. If you send me your address, I can mail copies of the booklet for you the tour guide and the museum. The picture you have or will have when I send it is the very one on display , to the right of the entrance in the left corner. The picture didn’t haven’t his name and there was no copy of the booklet with him. It would be such a blessing if you could get them to label the picture with his name. . . .George Bowler Tullidge III, and put a copy of the booklet with him. The family would be so blessed. If you would want to contact me off of WordPress here is the information:
    anne.t.bell@gmail.com

    Anne T. Bell
    212 Third Street
    Park Place 1 E
    Troy, New York
    12180

    I am sorry that I don’t recognize your address, as it is obvious we have spoken before. . . Anne

    I tried to send George’s picture but need your email .
    Rep
    This is pretty cool! I hope it gets resolved finally, afterall, I am the lone survivor now! Hope you are well!

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    • GP Cox | June 5, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      Just so you know, Annet, my copy of the Paratrooper’s Faith is standing on a shelf above my desk. I know I don’t have to remind you that this 16 August 2015 is the 75th US Army Airborne Anniversary and I will HAVE to put one of the prayers from your mom’s booklet in that post. I hope I do them justice!!

      Liked by 1 person

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      • annetbell | June 5, 2015 at 2:53 PM

        Actually, I didn’t know that and I thank you for telling me. I take care of those details of marking George’s picture and displaying the booklet. My brothers died recently at 83 and 84 so I am trying to be responsible and be on top of this!

        Blessings to you friend!

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  10. annetbell | June 5, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    George, check this out ! I am thrilled that George’s picture will be labeled! This woman is from my hometown. The Lord works in mysterious ways !

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  11. The Emu | September 2, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    A very noble and patriotic family
    A Mother, a true inspiration behind the soldier.
    Emu

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  12. annetbell | August 3, 2014 at 3:31 PM

    My friend, if this is clear, I hope you might have an idea how I can get in-touch with someone at the Museum at St Mere Eglise. There is George’s picture displayed but it is unmarked and there is no booklet there with him in the case. I have emailed Jason, and maybe he will have an idea.

    Blessings for a lovely week!
    Anne

    A Paratrooper’s Faith and a Legacy of Love
    Posted on July 29, 2014by annetbell
    My name is Anne Bowler Tullidge Bell and I visited your museum a few years ago. My oldest brother was a paratrooper and jumped on D-Day, wounded, and died on June 8th on his way to Britain. You will find his picture in the post below. The picture of George that you have is not marked with his name and neither do you have one of the little books explained below. There are a few of them available and I would be happy to mail you one , if I have a name and address. I don’t want it discarded .

    My purpose in writing is to insure that George’s picture is labeled and that a Paratrooper’s Faith is placed with him in the case.

    As I remember, George’s picture (the identical one to the one in the post) is in the left corner of a case on the right after entering the museum. If you have more questions, please let me know. I was not born until later.

    This post and notes, at the end, tell of the amazing story of George’s Little Book !

    Sincerely yours,
    Anne Bowler Tullidge Bell
    Troy, New York
    anne.t.bell@gmail.com
    talesalongtheway.com (blog)

    picture information :
    George Bowler Tullidge III
    Staunton , Virginia

    FIGHTER FAITH
    by Jason Ladd
    This is my family story about a brother who gave his life for freedom, long before my birth, and my mama who used her unspeakable pain and sacrifice to inspire and encourage soldiers going forth, and even today. Anne

    About Jason B. Ladd

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    • gpcox | August 4, 2014 at 6:49 AM

      The Airborne Museum has its own website with a contact area for you to insert your letter which can be found HERE_

      Their snail mail and email addresses are also on that page. If the link does not work – type – Airborne Museum at St. Mere Eglise on your AOL (bing, Google – whatever you use) page and it should be the first website listed. Best of luck Anne. Give my best to Jason, I have difficulty at times getting into his site.

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  13. Jacqui Murray | August 3, 2014 at 10:27 AM

    What a wonderful story. I sent it on to my two children.

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  14. inavukic | August 2, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    It makes a difference to all eternity whether we do right or wrong today. . .such powerful and true words. Mrs Archer Tullidge represents the very essence of a mother and a patriot rolled into one, as it should be.

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  15. ibdesignsusa | August 2, 2014 at 12:29 PM

    What a wonderful and amazing story and such courage. Glad that you posted it.

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  17. Old Things R New | August 2, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    Thank you for sharing this, I reblogged it too.

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  18. swabby429 | August 2, 2014 at 8:56 AM

    I’ve seen movies of the paratroopers over Europe and often wondered what went through the minds of those who jumped from the airplanes. So much danger and risk being compressed into the start of the missions.

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    • gpcox | August 2, 2014 at 2:53 PM

      Yes, very true, Swabby. The paratrooper back then (in both wars) had to deal with parachutes back then that are antique relics compared to those of today. One reason why being a trooper was purely on a volunteer basis.

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  20. annetbell | August 2, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    Many thanks for the reblog and sharing George’s and Mama’s story ! Blessings, Anne

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  21. Gallivanta | August 2, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    What an amazing mother/woman/caring, loving human being.

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