I got the parachute jumping pictures fine. They were excellent. This is the first time I have seen pictures taken from the plane looking down. This gives the viewer a realistic look at what it was like with those static lines flapping in the prop blast. These guys hit the door as we did – an airborne shuffle that was almost on the run. Some of the Hollywood versions have a "jumpmaster" tapping the stick out one by one on combat jumps. This would scatter the units so they would be slow in assembling, if they ever made it. The equipment bundles for crew served weapons were tossed out first by the one and two man, then the whole stick hit the door as fast as they could.

My first email on this got lost in the computer and I could not get it out. That is just as well. Joe Calder’s email made it clear that the stick had to get out fast in order to hit that plowed field. Sorry, Joe, that you went out a little too soon and got hung up in that tree. If you were still there hanging by your canteen, the third Bn. would have been in a fix without all that grub and ammo you scrounged for us in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany.

Thanks Ben for finding a film that demonstrated jumping from a plane in flight (or fright as we used to say). Howard Hensleigh

Ben

I would like to send this message out to all of the service members of the 517th.

SUBJECT:  2005 Memorial Day Message

To the men and women of the United States Army:

On May 30th, our country will celebrate a sacred holiday -- Memorial Day.  On this day we pause to reflect upon the extraordinary men and women who understood the nobility of service to country, answered the call to duty, and made the ultimate sacrifice.  They came from all walks of life, from every state across America, and they pledged to cherish and protect our country from all enemies.  In each conflict throughout our history, they stepped forward in the Nation s time of need, prepared to sacrifice their life in service to our Nation.

Memorial Day is set aside so that one day each year we may formally give thanks to the servicemen and servicewomen who paid the price of our liberty with their blood.  It is a solemn day when we recognize that we live in a great Nation where brave men and women have fought and died to preserve freedom for all of us.  It is our duty to protect that freedom through our own honorable citizenship and service.

American Soldiers march through time in a ghostly column from Lexington to Gettysburg, from the hedgerows of Europe to the islands of the Pacific.  In cemeteries around the world, rows of white marble headstones mark the final resting place of our comrades.  Their lives were cut short, and we mourn with their families.  Yet we celebrate their spirit, for they placed service to our Nation above personal safety.  Their sacrifices to protect freedom embody the noblest attributes of humankind.

Today we are again involved in a struggle against the forces of extremism and violence.  As Soldiers, you have answered the call to duty, and you are performing magnificently.  America supports you as you go in harm s way.  You reflect America s values as you serve our society, and are the best citizens our Nation has to offer.  Remember each day as you do your duty that you stand on the shoulders of those who served before you.  The legacy of our fallen comrades lives on through your actions.  

God bless each and every one of you and your families, and God bless America.

LTC William B. Wyatt

Ben, MSN tells me that I am unable to to pickup the jump video on my
Web-Tv. I see that Bob D. is also unable with his Web-Tv. Are there any
others in the same  "plane" flying with us to nowhere?
                                      Jim Royer

 Ben:  Alan and I were able to view it and watched it twice -- it was terrific.  Thank you so much for making it available.