National Airborne Day
Click on image to read.
16 August 1940 was the first official U.S. Army parachute jump.
Everett “Smitty” Smith, 11th A/B, New Guinea – my dad.
On 14 August 2002, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation to honor the troopers with their own commemorative day – which can be found HERE>
3 August 2009, the U.S. Senate recognized National Airborne Day with Senate Resolution 235.
HERE’S TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!
THANK YOU !!
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From Smitty’s scrapbook_______
From Everett Smith’s real scrapbook/ glider and jump training
Click on photos to enlarge.
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Farewell Salutes –
Bert Vincent Brickle – Christchurch, NZ; RNZ Army # 447652, WWII, ETO, ( Fellow blogger, Galivanta [Ann]’s cousin)
Peter Gritis – Reston, VA; US Army, LtColonel, WWII, ETO, 7th Armored Division
Pedro Hernandez – Crystal, MN; US Army, WWII & Korea, 82nd Airborne
Nicholas Kremer – Cascade, IA; US Army Air Force, WWII paratrooper, ETO, Purple Heart
Maurice O’Toole – Toronto, CAN, RAF, pilot
Charles Skapik – Charlerol, PA; US Army Air Force, 457th Artillery/11th Airborne, WWII, PTO
Vince Tancredi – Windham, NY; US Army Air Corps, 503rd Reg., paratrooper
John Wheeler – Canton, CT; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 82nd Airborne
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Posted on August 16, 2014, in Uncategorized, WWII and tagged Army, aviation, family history, History, Marines, Military, Navy, paratroopers, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 68 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
This is very interesting and heart warming blog. I am so proud of all our men and women on active duty and retired. I am forwarding this to my son who is in the military, then his friends will see it also. Thank you.
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I am proud and grateful that you feel it good enough to share with your son. Be sure to let him know how much Pacific Paratrooper supports him!
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Thank you for the post and prayer, GP. I came in later than men like your dad, but believe me, the spirit these men showed became a part of the troopers that followed.
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That is so nice to hear, Don. I appreciate that and your service as well!! Hope you celebrate today!!
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Best wishes to all members past and present on National Airborne Day. The defense of Bastogne during the Battle kf the Bulge by the 101st Airborne Division has been identified as one of the finest achievements of American arms.
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I certain the troopers will appreciate your remarks, Gustov!!
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For me limit of air born = 6 ft ladder.
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😆 Good one, Carl. Smitty used to look at the parachute jump ride at Coney Island when we’d go and he’s say, “Never again!”
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Great reading and pics, interesting background in your Dads picture.
Was interesting to read the background on the parachuting beginnings in War.
Emu
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Thanks, too bad the other countries were way ahead of us in that area, but I think we caught up. I appreciate you coming by to read and comment, Ian. You’re a good friend.
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Imagine all the risks of coming down from an aircraft suspended from an oversized hanky before you even start fighting. Yet some of the guys even regarded that as the fun part!
Strange to think that jump happened only a couple of months before I did.
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Sort of makes you part of that history, eh? Glad you enjoyed the post!
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A very special day and close to your heart I know.
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Thanks, Carol. I appreciate you reading.
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As an in heart a military fanatic I truly enjoy your posts which are a great supplement to the books on the shelf.
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Thank you very much. I know I don’t comment much on your site, but I do read everyday. I hope you don’t take offense since it is just life and time restraints getting the way!
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Reblogged this on alaskasretrievers.
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I thank you very much! I certainly hope your readers enjoy the post.
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Such a touching and beautiful tribute. Love the Soldiers Prayer.
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Thank you, Linda. It’s very nice of you to say so.
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Gpcox, the “Soldier’s Prayer” was so touching… I always see a young man in the grips of fear yet overcoming that fear to do his job… like Smitty. I’m sure to some, if they were to survive, aging may have been a most difficult concept… To see buddies ecentually fall but not from bullets. Thank you, Smitty.
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I do know Smitty had trouble hearing Taps. That was the main reason I included the gliders, all the funerals he went to while they developed those things…. Thank you very much for reading, Koji.
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The prayer is wonderful. Thank you for including it.
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My pleasure, (little hint why I chose this one)- my father was in the 11th A/B. Glad you liked it, John.
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Well done, GP. I’ve repinned the prayer to my Pinterest prayer board.
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Thank you, Jacqui. Yes, I’ve received a lot of good feed-back for the prayer. (wish I was the author).
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Great prayer and tribute to National Airborne Day. Loved seeing the picture of your Dad.
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Thanks for everything, Kathy. You’ll be leaving soon, correct? Have a wonderful vacation!!
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Enjoy your post so no problem. Yes, leaving in 1 week and thanks!!
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Wonderful prayer. I love that it’s a prayer that covers a lifetime, not just a moment.
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Thank you, the Airborne is its own family for life, just as the USMC and semper fi, etc. Thank you for visiting.
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Great slide show.
Lillian
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Thank you, Lillian. I’m very happy you liked it__ GP.
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Seven years from proclamation to resolution…typical government slows…wow! So was Smitty in the very first Airborne jump?
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No, Smitty was drafted in Sept. 1942, 2 years later. I hear what you’re saying about slow government – I thought the same thing when I read this (That was the reason I put it in, 😆 ) Thanks for reading, Mrs P.
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My son-in-law, 101st Airborne, and I thank you for the great post!
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Oh, you are very welcome! There was so much more I wanted to put in here, but didn’t want to appear obnoxious.
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Trust me, there is nothing you post that will ever appear obnoxious. Your selections always are interesting, and your comments spot on. I look forward to each of your posts, and appreciate them very much.
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I couldn’t ask for a better compliment than that!!
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The prayer is very nice; God must have come to mind often.
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I’m certain it did, especially jumping into combat.
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A special prayer for very special warriors.
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Very true and thank you for saying so.
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Being proud of your Dad shaped you as a person, for sure. Great examples, forever.
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Thank you very much; I’ve always at least tried to be like him.
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always good to see the ways in which we honor these brave men and women. I love the entries from the scrapbook.
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Thanks, Dan. I love to add them, but don’t want be too repetitive. I appreciate the encouragement.
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One of the best things about following your blog is the way you have expanded my understanding of this (these) war(s). I have read a lot of books, including the Tie Life series WWII, but all of them covered the traditional story give or take a little commentary. Here, I’ve read things I’ve never heard of before. I think you are striking a fine balance, and I appreciate the effort.
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I couldn’t ask for a better compliment than to learn someone has read and learned something!! In much of this research – I’ve been learning myself and it’s great!!
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A great tribute for National Airborne Day. Sky warriors, I think President Bush called them. The prayer at the beginning is very touching. I am glad there is a special prayer for the Airborne Veterans. Thank you for the inclusion in the Farewell Salute.
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Thank you, Ann – and you know I will always post your farewells. You have a big heart.
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🙂
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The prayer is very moving.
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Thank you for reading it.
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Reblogged this on A Conservative Christian Man.
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Thank you, Paul.
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Another great set of images here !!!!
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Thanks, Chris – once again I was in a quandary as to how many and which ones, duh….
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😀 You got no worries. 😀
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I appreciate your support. Sorry your name didn’t come out clearly on the “female paratrooper.”
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Awwww…. don’t sweat it, my friend. I was happy to see it ! 🙂
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Not sure which was worse, parachute or glider.. Neither was good I reckon
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Back in those days, I suppose you’re right. Thanks for coming by!
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Always read, sometimes comment..
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I’m the same way – not always time available to comment to everyone, but I do go in and read.
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You are probably busier than I, “effort is its own reward” but you do make a good effort 🙂
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Thanks.
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