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Post by tmayer on Sept 19, 2015 4:13:53 GMT 8
Comic art by Bill Bossert, 503rd PIR.
(For those not quite familiar, the drop was spread over several miles. The Kunai Grass was between ten and twelve feet high,and next to impassable. There was no way to see over the top of the grass, and somebody could be mere yards away and you couldn't find them. Nor was there any way of establishing a landmark to establish any bearing. Almost the entire unit could see nothing, nor could they be seen. Forming up took several hours for some, the next day for others. Col. Kinsler decided (it was said to me) that an open area could be made by setting fire to the grass, but the unintended outcome was that the fire escaped its intended area and most of the unit's precious parachutes were burned. Given the difficulties of obtaining a supply of parachutes in the SWPA, this alone was a disaster. Lou Aiken has written about the fire fight which occurred that evening, which the paratroopers surely won, as there were no Japanese in the vicinity at all. - Registrar).
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Post by Registrar on Sept 20, 2015 8:15:33 GMT 8
For the Men of the 503rd, WWII, with apologies to Bob Hope, Leo Robin & Ralph Rainger- sung to the tune of Thanks for the Memories - Lew "Smitty" Smith
~ Thanks for the 503rd Memories ~
Thanks for the memories, of tower jumping boys, chutes instead of toys, running ‘round the Benning’s ground it must have been a joy. We thank you, so much.
And thanks for that ocean trip, across to distant land, with Brothers of a Band, with kits on back and ammo packed, ready to make a stand. We thank you, so much.
Markham Valley was no picnic, combat jump one for you, but you just hoped to kick nips, and you did just that, and thanks to you.
And thanks for the memories, of the landing at Ley-te, better you than me. The Japanese attacks you threw them back, you brought them to their knees. We thank you, so much.
And thanks for the memories, of low flying in a plane, at Corregidor ‘neath your Main, of coming down to that Rock’s ground and never once complain.
Your time on Negros was fearful, you’d had your share of that. To fallen buddies a tear-ful, but what the heck, you went right back.
WE THANK YOU, SO MUCH.
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Post by tmayer on Sept 24, 2015 2:11:08 GMT 8
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