View allAll Photos Tagged 508TH
Republic F-105F-1-RE Thunderchief, 63-8287 Thunderchief "RK" 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli RTAFB,
Chanute Air Museum
20150311 - 7197/98
20150821 - 5766
20150911 – 6473
20151031 – 5539
One of the Century series of USAF Interceptor Fighters and Fighter/Bombers of the 1950-1960 Era
Service History
1964 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena AB Okinawa Japan
1967 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, McConnell AFB Kansas
1967 333rd;354th & 357th Tactical Fighter Squadrons,
355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand
In September 1967, hit trees in bad weather and crash landed near Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, salvaged and repaired
1970 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 507th Tactical Fighter Wing Tinker AFB Oklahoma
1979 465th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 507th Tactical Fighter Wing Tinker AFB Oklahoma
1981 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 301st Tactical 508th Tactical Fighter Group Hill AFB Utah
1984 Last Flight of a F-105F to Chanute AFB, then displayed at the Thunderbird Air Park
1993 Chanute Air Museum
2017 The Aviation Museum of Kentucky
c/n B-40.
Built 1959.
US military serial ‘57-5803’.
On display at the March Field Museum, Riverside, CA, USA.
28-2-2016
The following service history comes from the excellent museum website:-
“Manufactured by Republic Aircraft, Farmingdale NY
and delivered to the USAF on 10 Sep 1959. Its assignments were:
Sep 1959 - Retained by manufacturer
Jun 1960 - To Wright Air Development Division (ARDC) Wright-Patterson AFB OH
(converted to JF-105B)
Mar 1961 - To Mobile Air Materiel Area AL (to F-105B)
Jul 1962 - To 4th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Seymour Johnson AFB NC
Jun 1964 - To Mobile Air Materiel Area AL
Jun 1965 - To 4520th Combat Crew Training Wing (TAC), Nellis AFB NV
Oct 1967 - To 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), McConnell AFB KS
Jun 1970 - To 177th Tactical Fighter Wing (ANG) Atlantic City AP NJ
Nov 1972 - To 945th Military Airlift Group (AFRES), Hill AFB
Jan 1973 - To 508th Tactical Fighter Group (AFRES), Hill AFB UT
Jan 1980 - To 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron (AFRES), Hill AFB UT
Nov 1980 - Dropped from inventory by transfer to museum or school”
New Jersey National Guard Soldiers, 508th Military Police Company, construct hospital beds at East Orange General Hospital, East Orange, N.J., April 29, 2020. The National Guard is assisting the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in reopening a wing of the East Orange General Hospital in response to the COVID-19 relief effort. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Michael Schwenk)
1st Lieutenant John A. Quaid was a paratrooper with the 508th PIR who were based in Northern Ireland in late 1943 and early 1944. The above photo is possibly in Northern Ireland but more likely at Wollaton Park, Nottingham where the 508th moved to after their short stay in Northern Ireland.
Known as Jack to his family, he was initially listed as Missing In Action on D-Day, 6 June 1944. His remains were later recovered and his official date of death was determined to be June 23, 1944. According to the personal diary of Lt Ralph DeWeese, also of the 508th PIR, he had been watching Quaid's plane from his own aircraft as they approached the Normandy drop zone:
"Quaid's plane was in a hot spot due to the fact the tabs had blown off the equipment bundle lights slung under the aircraft belly and the bundle lights had come on. That left the plane a target in the sky and everything was zeroed in on him. I thought for sure that they were going to get it."
"We circled over Etienville three times and I knew the planes were lost. You can imagine how anxious we were to jump because I knew we couldn't fly around much longer without getting hit. The flak and machine-gun fire was worse and it is hard to realize how those planes can fly through it. I was watching Quaid's plane and saw some men jump".
Later Deweese apparently learned that "Lt. Quaid had raided a pillbox and the Germans had surrendered and were coming out with their hands up. The fourth came out firing a Schmeisser (sub-machinegun) and killed him.
.
.
Thanks to Melissa Jordan for permission to upload these images and share his story.
For further information: www.merujo.com/2010/06/in-my-hands-faded-history.html
Also: www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=55889504
Cette photo est issue d'un reportage, présenté comme réalisé le 6 juin 1944, de 5 photos: p012904, p012906, p012907, p012333 et p013484 plus 3 ici:
www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/4450305190/
Il s'agit d'éléments de Hq & Hq Co. S-2 Intelligence section, 508th PIR de la 82nd US Airborne à Ravenoville.
Le groupement est constitué des : Capt Kenneth L. Johnson, Capt Robert Abraham (Company C.O.), SSgt Worster M. Morgan, Pfc Luther Marney Tillery, Pfc Joel R. Lander, Pvt John G. McCall - Pfc James R. Kumler, and T/5 Donald J. MacLeod accompagnés d'un binôme d'une Signal Corps Co avec l'opérateur de prise de vues T/4 Wiener et un photographe.
Devant des sources contradictoires PhotosNormandie n'a pu déterminer leur lieu de largage au-delà de leur DZ initiale " N " Picauville.
Voir ici la dispersion des sauts de la 82nd US AB
www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/4443521910/
Le groupe de paras égarés sous le commandement du capitaine Johnson (qu'on aperçoit sur la droite avec les jumelles) continue son repli vers le sud et marque une pause dans le village de Ravenoville après avoir quitté Saint-Marcouf, trois kilomètres plus au sud de cette dernière localité.
A droite à côté du para nu tête une M1A1 Carbine, dans le fond devant le para avec un étui de jumelles en bandoulière : un Thompson SMG ; les autres armes sont des M1 Rifle "Garand".
repérage du Captain Kenneth L. Johnson:
www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/4419289427/
séquence filmée par le T/4 Weiner, voir ici:
www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/4419723056/
Voir film NARA 111-ADC-1275 à partir de 01:07
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tEOXL8n3sw
Aujourd'hui;
A paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment fires an M320 Grenade Launcher while conducting a live-fire range January 16 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The battalion conducted the off-post training cycle at Camp Atterbury to give paratroopers and leaders the opportunity to conduct tough, complex training in a realistic environment.
PICAUVILLE, France – Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade perform airborne operation here June 8, during an event where paratroopers from the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italian, Netherlands and United Kingdom perform airborne operations together. The event hosted more than 50,000 spectators who witnessed approximately 750 paratroopers jump to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battles that took place around Normandy and the paratroopers and Soldiers who fought on the same ground they were on. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to <a href=http://www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6-1944
The F-105 Thunderchief, which would become a legend in the history of the Vietnam War, started out very modestly as a proposal for a large, supersonic replacement for the RF-84F Thunderflash tactical reconnaissance fighter in 1951. Later this was expanded by Republic’s famous chief designer, Alexander Kartveli, to a nuclear-capable, high-speed, low-altitude penetration tactical fighter-bomber which could also replace the F-84 Thunderstreak.
The USAF liked the idea, as the F-84 had shown itself to be at a disadvantage against Chinese and Soviet-flown MiG-15s over Korea, and ordered 200 of the new design before it was even finalized. This order was reduced to only 37 aircraft with the end of the Korean War, but nonetheless the first YF-105A Thunderchief flew in October 1955. Although it was equipped with an interim J57 engine and had drag problems, it still achieved supersonic speed. When the design was further refined as the YF-105B, with the J75 engine and area ruling, it went over Mach 2. This was in spite of the fact that the design had mushroomed in size from Kartveli’s initial idea to one of the largest and heaviest fighter ever to serve with the USAF: fully loaded, the F-105 was heavier than a B-17 bomber. The USAF ordered 1800 F-105s, though this would be reduced to 830 examples.
Almost immediately, the F-105 began to be plagued with problems. Some of the trouble could be traced to the normal teething problems of any new aircraft, but for awhile it seemed the Thunderchief was too hot to handle, with a catastrophically high accident rate. This led to the aircraft getting the nickname of “Thud,” supposedly for the sound it made when hitting the ground, along with other not-so-affectionate monikers such as “Ultra Hog” and “Squat Bomber.” Despite its immense size and bad reputation, however, the F-105 was superb at high speeds, especially at low level, was difficult to stall, and its cockpit was commended for its ergonomic layout. Earlier “narrow-nose” F-105Bs were replaced by wider-nosed, radar-equipped F-105Ds, the mainline version of the Thunderchief, while two-seat F-105Fs were built as conversion trainers.
Had it not been for the Vietnam War, however, the F-105 might have gone down in history as simply another mildly successful 1950s era design. Deployed to Vietnam at the beginning of the American involvement there in 1964, the Thunderchief was soon heading to North Vietnam to attack targets there in the opening rounds of Operation Rolling Thunder; this was in spite of the fact that the F-105 was designed primarily as a low-level (and, as its pilots insisted, one-way) tactical nuclear bomber. Instead, F-105s were heading north festooned with conventional bombs.
As Rolling Thunder gradually expanded to all of North Vietnam, now-camouflaged Thuds “going Downtown” became iconic, fighting their way through the densest concentration of antiaircraft fire in history, along with SAMs and MiG fighters. The F-105 now gained a reputation for something else: toughness, a Republic hallmark. Nor were they defenseless: unlike the USAF’s primary fighter, the F-4 Phantom II, the F-105 retained an internal 20mm gatling cannon, and MiG-17s which engaged F-105s was far from a foregone conclusion, as 27 MiGs were shot down by F-105s for the loss of about 20. If nothing else, Thud pilots no longer burdened with bombs could simply elect to head home at Mach 2 and two thousand feet, outdistancing any MiG defenders.
If the Thud had any weakness, it was its hydraulic system, which was found to be extremely vulnerable to damage. However, it was likely more due to poor tactics and the restrictive Rules of Engagement, which sent F-105s into battle on predictable routes, unable to return fire on SAM sites until missiles were launched at them, and their F-4 escorts hamstrung by being forced to wait until MiGs were on attack runs before the MiGs could be engaged. The tropical climate also took a toll on man and machine, with the end result that 382 F-105s were lost over Vietnam, nearly half of all Thuds ever produced and the highest loss rate of any USAF aircraft.
The combination of a high loss rate and the fact that the F-105 really was not designed to be used in the fashion it was over Vietnam led to the type’s gradual withdrawal after 1968 in favor of more F-4s and a USAF version of the USN’s A-7 Corsair II. An improved all-weather bombing system, Thunderstick II, was given to a few of the F-105D survivors, but this was not used operationally.
The Thud soldiered on another decade in Air National Guard and Reserve units until February 1984, when the type was finally retired in favor of the F-16, and its spiritual successor, the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
62-4259 was delivered to the USAF in 1963, with the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing at Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina. In 1967, it was transferred to the 355th TFW at Takhli RTAFB, to fly combat over Vietnam. It would remain on continual operations until 1970, and was one of the lucky Thuds to survive. While at Takhli, it was given the name "Cajun Queen," after the female protagonist in Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" songs.
"Cajun Queen" returned home in 1970 and was sent to the 507th TFG (Reserve) at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, before finishing a long career with the rest of the remaining USAF Thuds with the 508th TFG (Reserve) at Hill AFB, Utah. 62-4259's service to the USAF was not yet over, however, even after it was retired in 1982 as one of the last D-model F-105s. Along with several other Thuds, it was sent to Lackland AFB, Texas, where it was set up on a mock flightline for security police training. These F-105s were among the best preserved in the world, and when Lackland finally replaced them in 2011, most, including 62-4259, were saved for preservation; 62-4259 was donated to the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia.
On display in the museum's Vietnam wing, 62-4259 has been restored back to the "Cajun Queen," and is presented in a diorama showing it being loaded for a mission over North Vietnam. The gun bay is open, showing the M61A1 Vulcan, while it carries three Mk 82 500-pound bombs on the typical centerline Multiple Ejector Rack, as well as two external drop tanks. This would've actually been a very light load for a Thud! An AGM-78 Standard ARM antiradar missile is displayed in the foreground.
My dad would've given just about anything to have flown F-105s, and "Cajun Queen" is even from his favorite unit--the 333rd TFS, the "Lancers," of the 355th TFW.
PictionID:56707877 - Catalog:01_00094214.tif - Title:NASA Bill McClure Launch Pad 14 Mercury capsule Friendship 7 1962 - Filename:01_00094214.tif - Please tag this image with information so that the information can be permanently stored with the digital file.---Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment continue to play a pivotal Army role in assessing the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), this time while conducting a live-fires exercise at Camp Atterbury, Ind.
PICAUVILLE, France –- A French military weatherman checks the wind speed on the drop zone here June 8, before parachutist from the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italian, Netherlands and United Kingdom perform airborne operations. The event hosted more than 50,000 spectators who witnessed approximately 750 paratroopers jump to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battles that took place around Normandy. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6.... (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
CHEF DU PONT, France -- Lt. Gen Donald M. Campbell Jr., commander of U.S. Army Europe, poses for a picture next to George Shenkle, a communications corporal during the invasion of Normandy, before a ceremony here, June 5. The ceremony was a tribute to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment who fought here 70 years ago to secure a key bridge to prevent German reinforcements from attacking. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the Normandy region. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6.... (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
A U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Soldier prepares to land in Picauville, France, June 8, 2014, after he free-falls from a military aircraft during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day. More than 50,000 spectators attended the event, where approximately 750 U.S., Canadian, French, German, Italian, Dutch and British army paratroopers jumped from aircraft as part of a joint airborne operation. The morning of June 6, 1944, Allied forces conducted a massive airborne assault and amphibious landing in the Normandy region of France. The invasion marked the beginning of the final phase of World War II in Europe, which ended with the surrender of Germany the following May. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole/Released)
New Jersey National Guard Soldiers, 508th Military Police Company, construct hospital beds at East Orange General Hospital, East Orange, N.J., April 29, 2020. The National Guard is assisting the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management in reopening a wing of the East Orange General Hospital in response to the COVID-19 relief effort. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Michael Schwenk)
#1000: As of 12/1/19, under Flickr's popularity rankings of my 2000+ pics, this is listed as #1000 in "interestingness."
#1224: As of 10/28/19, of my 2000+ pics, this is listed as #1224 in most # of views.
I've been engaging in some short, private crossdressing opportunities at home recently, after acquiring and trying out some new clothes, shoes, and accessories. This is the 508th pic posted from this recent CD activity, and taken just last month.
This day I was trying out my very first blonde wig. Does it work for me?
As usual, I really enjoy color-coordinating attractive/sexy/cute outfits, and this one features: Forever 21 camel faux-leather ultra-high-heel over-the-knee (OTK) boots with faux-wood brown 4.5" block heels; a Forever 21 taupe/black pleated houndstooth knit miniskirt; a Forever 21 camel faux-leather waist belt; a Guess jet black deep-scoop-neck ribbed-knit crop top (from Macy's); a Forever 21 taupe/black leopard-print scarf; gold/brown necklaces; and gold rings, earrings, and bracelets.
More about this and other new 2017-18 pics was written up recently in a descriptive Update provided in my profile or "About" page here on Flickr. It details some choices made for these 2017-18 pics.
Let me know your thoughts... :-)
P.S. As far as the setting here, this is on the deck of our home. I'm using the glass patio door as a mirror (fuzziness related to glass not cleaned in some time), aided with a black sheet hung right inside the door, although some of the wrinkles in the sheet may be detected in the video here.
A Paratrooper with 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, tries to steal the ball from his opponent of 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., during an All American Week 100 soccer match at Towle Stadium, Fort Bragg, N.C., May 22, 2017. During All American Week 100, Paratroopers from throughout the Division competed in softball, soccer, flag football, tug-of-war, combatives, boxing, a best squad competition, a combat fitness test and the Little Group of Paratroopers competition for bragging rights and a shot at “Best Battalion.” All American Week is an opportunity for Paratroopers, past and present, to come together and celebrate the history, heritage and pride of being members of the All American Division. This year’s All American Week theme is, “Celebrating a Century of Service!” (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis Umanzor)
A paratrooper from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment scans for a simulated enemy from a fighting position November 30, 2018 in Kenya, Africa. The training scenario was part of Operation Askari Storm, a multinational training exercise occurring in Kenya, Africa between U.S., British and other partner-nation forces. The training focuses on increasing the readiness and interoperability of the participating forces while placing them in tough, realistic scenarios against simulated near-peer adversaries.
Source:
www.aerosteles.net/fiche.php?code=stmartinblagny-404&...
Les quatre victimes du 508th Fighter Squadron
Staff Sgt. Edward J. Botte; 20 Lander St., New Haven, Conn
Pfc. Joseph L.Hickman; 1152 Dentz Ave., Trenton. N. J.
Cpl. Robert M. Hopkins; 139 W. Archer, Denver, Colo.
1/Lt. Charles H. « Chuck » Viccellio; Chatham, Va
sont morts d'un bombardement ami le 24 juillet 1944 (Operation Cobra) sur l'ALG A-5
localisation
www.flickr.com/photos/mlq/5198138586/
En complément quelques information sur la mort des cites sur cette plaque
suivant historique du 404th FG
Merci à Blue spader pour la traduction
Il sembla que le lundi 24 juillet soit le jour. Les pilotes sont briefés et leurs avions attendent de prendre l’air. Juste après midi, espérant une couverture nuageuse de 9/10e, et regardant les bombardiers lourds, pour la plus part invisibles, dans la masse nuageuse. Les bruit des moteurs semblent passer au dessus de nous depuis St Lô en direction du Nord est vers l’Angleterre.
Soudain une série d’explosions, comme des bruits lourds de rafales de mitrailleuses, voit tout le monde se terrer dans les foxholes.
Colonel McColpin saute à cloche-pied et saute dans un trou de tirailleur pour trouver LTC Johnson, le commandant en second de groupe, et le SSGT John Sulzynski, chef d'équipe, déjà là. Près du mess des officiers et des tentes du QG du groupe, dans le secteur de dispersion du 508th Squadron, cinq feux distincts brûlaient violemment ; les bombes phosphoreuses blanches lancées sur nos avions pour la mission pénétraient profondément dans certains des revêtements, enveloppant le secteur dans une fumée blanche suffocante.
Les bandes de munitions et les bombes à fragmentation des P-47 ont commencé à exploser, projetant fortement des fragments en acier dans toutes les directions. Les hommes sont arrivés avec casque, masque de gaz, et carabine, regardant alentour en s'attendant à d’autres attaques. Les hommes blessés ont commencé à appeler, gémir et crier ; les ambulances du groupe et d'escadron sont arrivées, suivies d’une foule d’hommes, pilotes, et les officiers, émergeant avec précaution des trous de tirailleurs, des fossés et des haies.
L'avion de Count Colwell a été endommagé ; Bill Kerr a été légèrement blessé quand un fragment en acier l'a touché, alors qu’il était dans l'habitacle. Jack Conner a sauté quand son avion a pris le feu, dans le même temps des flammes embrassaient l’avion de Chuck Viccellio, le clouant Vic à l'intérieur. Avec des réservoirs d'essence s’enflammant soudainement, les bombes éclatant et les mitrailleuses tiraillant toujours, Jack transporte Vic hors de l'habitacle loin en sûreté, puis retourne pour aider les armuriers et les mécaniciens blessés.
Al Yetter et Carmen Moreali aident un homme sérieusement blessé et le transportent loin de l'aile de son avion où il était tombé, juste avant que l’avion explose. SSGT Edouard Botte & Cpl. Robert Hopkins sont tués immédiatement, Chuck Viccellio et Pfc. Hickman sont morts de leurs blessures. Quatorze autres sont blessés, trois avions sont totalement détruits et huit sont endommagés. Trois « engins» américains, bombes de 100 livres, sont trouvés-non explosés.
On a finalement déterminé qu'un bombardier américain, probablement un des deux B-24 aperçus par un canonnier antiaérien à travers les nuages au-dessus du terrain à ce moment-là, avait accidentellement libéré un chapelet de 20 bombes. La Luftwaffe ne nous a jamais fait autant mal.
****************************************
506 FS
9 mai 44 - Lt Joyce Joseph C - missions de bombardement de la gare de triage de Serqueux 32km NE de Rouen, touché par la Flak, moteur détruit, vu entrain d’essayer de sauter en parachute. 8 mois plus tard- il est alors passé de porté disparu à tué au combat
7 juin 44 - Lt Vivian Joseph H- Porté disparu- au dessus de la Manche vu pour la dernière fois vers 23h30 avec des problèmes d’altimétrie, dernier contact radio 0h00.
22 juin 44 - Labno Charles E- Tué au combat -annonce problème moteur et qu’il saute en parachute, mais n’a pas le temps l’avion s’écrase près de Grandcamp.
26 juillet 44 - Lt Vinson Wilbur F- Porté disparu
31 juillet 44 - Lt Huse Robert W- Tué au combat - tué par des tirs au sol straffing
27 août 44 - Leake Thomas C – Tué au combat
27 août 44 - Adams Martin E- Tué au combat - en combat aérien
27 aout 44 - Lt Conn Max W - Porté disparu
507 FS
25 juin 44 - Lt Fredendall “Freddie” Russell S- Tué au combat Flak au dessus de la forêt de Cinglais sud de Caen.
1 juillet 44 - 2Lt Green Robert W - Mort de ses blessures atterrit avec une "cluster bomb" sous une aile, qui explose. Très grièvement touché il décède à l’aube le lendemain au 95th Gen Hospital à Ringwood.
23 juillet 44 - Lt Grove Edgar E - mort accidentelle se rate au décollage décède en route vers l’hôpital
20 aout 44 - 2Lt Manchester Edward c Jr- Porté disparu - disparait en vol lors d’une mission
508 FS
24 juin 44 - Lt Espy Bert Jr - Tué vers 15h00 collision avec Kitchen après la ressource lors d’un 2e straffing secteur de Périers
24 juin 44 - Lt Kitchens Benjamin F- Tué (suite erreur de retranscription du nom il sera- Porté disparu jusqu’en mars 45)
24 juillet 44 - Sgt. Botte Edward J - Tué au combat
24 juillet 44 - Cpl. Hopkins Rober M - Tué au combat
24 juillet 44 - Pfc. Hickman Joseph L - Mort de ses blessures
24 juillet 44 - Lt Charles H Viccellio - Mort de ses blessures
Langmaid NE ??
The F-105 Thunderchief, which would become a legend in the history of the Vietnam War, started out very modestly as a proposal for a large, supersonic replacement for the RF-84F Thunderflash tactical reconnaissance fighter in 1951. Later this was expanded by Republic’s famous chief designer, Alexander Kartveli, to a nuclear-capable, high-speed, low-altitude penetration tactical fighter-bomber which could also replace the F-84 Thunderstreak.
The USAF liked the idea, as the F-84 had shown itself to be at a disadvantage against Chinese and Soviet-flown MiG-15s over Korea, and ordered 200 of the new design before it was even finalized. This order was reduced to only 37 aircraft with the end of the Korean War, but nonetheless the first YF-105A Thunderchief flew in October 1955. Although it was equipped with an interim J57 engine and had drag problems, it still achieved supersonic speed. When the design was further refined as the YF-105B, with the J75 engine and area ruling, it went over Mach 2. This was in spite of the fact that the design had mushroomed in size from Kartveli’s initial idea to one of the largest and heaviest fighter ever to serve with the USAF: fully loaded, the F-105 was heavier than a B-17 bomber. The USAF ordered 1800 F-105s, though this would be reduced to 830 examples.
Almost immediately, the F-105 began to be plagued with problems. Some of the trouble could be traced to the normal teething problems of any new aircraft, but for awhile it seemed the Thunderchief was too hot to handle, with a catastrophically high accident rate. This led to the aircraft getting the nickname of “Thud,” supposedly for the sound it made when hitting the ground, along with other not-so-affectionate monikers such as “Ultra Hog” and “Squat Bomber.” Despite its immense size and bad reputation, however, the F-105 was superb at high speeds, especially at low level, was difficult to stall, and its cockpit was commended for its ergonomic layout. Earlier “narrow-nose” F-105Bs were replaced by wider-nosed, radar-equipped F-105Ds, the mainline version of the Thunderchief, while two-seat F-105Fs were built as conversion trainers.
Had it not been for the Vietnam War, however, the F-105 might have gone down in history as simply another mildly successful 1950s era design. Deployed to Vietnam at the beginning of the American involvement there in 1964, the Thunderchief was soon heading to North Vietnam to attack targets there in the opening rounds of Operation Rolling Thunder; this was in spite of the fact that the F-105 was designed primarily as a low-level (and, as its pilots insisted, one-way) tactical nuclear bomber. Instead, F-105s were heading north festooned with conventional bombs.
As Rolling Thunder gradually expanded to all of North Vietnam, now-camouflaged Thuds “going Downtown” became iconic, fighting their way through the densest concentration of antiaircraft fire in history, along with SAMs and MiG fighters. The F-105 now gained a reputation for something else: toughness, a Republic hallmark. Nor were they defenseless: unlike the USAF’s primary fighter, the F-4 Phantom II, the F-105 retained an internal 20mm gatling cannon, and MiG-17s which engaged F-105s was far from a foregone conclusion, as 27 MiGs were shot down by F-105s for the loss of about 20. If nothing else, Thud pilots no longer burdened with bombs could simply elect to head home at Mach 2 and two thousand feet, outdistancing any MiG defenders.
If the Thud had any weakness, it was its hydraulic system, which was found to be extremely vulnerable to damage. However, it was likely more due to poor tactics and the restrictive Rules of Engagement, which sent F-105s into battle on predictable routes, unable to return fire on SAM sites until missiles were launched at them, and their F-4 escorts hamstrung by being forced to wait until MiGs were on attack runs before the MiGs could be engaged. The tropical climate also took a toll on man and machine, with the end result that 382 F-105s were lost over Vietnam, nearly half of all Thuds ever produced and the highest loss rate of any USAF aircraft.
The combination of a high loss rate and the fact that the F-105 really was not designed to be used in the fashion it was over Vietnam led to the type’s gradual withdrawal after 1968 in favor of more F-4s and a USAF version of the USN’s A-7 Corsair II. An improved all-weather bombing system, Thunderstick II, was given to a few of the F-105D survivors, but this was not used operationally.
The Thud soldiered on another decade in Air National Guard and Reserve units until February 1984, when the type was finally retired in favor of the F-16, and its spiritual successor, the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
F-105D 61-0106 has the odd distinction of being one of the few Thuds never to fly in Vietnam. Instead, it "held the line" by being with the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, first at Spangdahlem, West Germany and then at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. When active duty F-105 units converted to A-7s and A-10s, 61-0106 went to the 184th TFG (Kansas ANG) at McConnell AFB, Kansas ("home of the Thud") around 1974, and then to the 116th TFW (Georgia ANG) at Dobbins AFB, Georgia. It was relegated to the USAF Reserve, finishing its career with a lot of other F-105s in the 508th TFG (Reserve) at Hill AFB, Utah.
In 1983, it made its final flight to Kelly AFB, Texas, where it was preserved with a dozen other F-105Ds on a fake runway. USAF Security Forces used the lineup to simulate an active base and practice security training. These F-105s were among the finest preserved Thuds (since they were still property of the USAF), and the last in USAF service, albeit as grounded GF-105Ds. When the USAF replaced the Thuds in the 1990s, the dozen were transferred to museums, and 61-0106 came back to Kansas. It went on display as a gate guard at Forbes Field, Topeka, as part of the Kansas National Guard Museum.
Though looking a little worn, 61-0106 is still in good shape. It's always good to see a F-105, as my dad was possibly the world's biggest fan of the Thud. Almost certainly he saw this aircraft during his brief time in the Georgia ANG at Dobbins, while the 116th was flying Thuds.
PICAUVILLE, France –- Paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade perform airborne operations here, together with paratroopers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The event hosted more than 50,000 spectators who witnessed approximately 750 paratroopers jump to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battles that took place around Normandy and the paratroopers and Soldiers who fought on the same ground they were on. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6.... (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment patrol November 17, 2018 in Kenya, Africa for a simulated enemy during a live-fire exercise alongside British paratroopers of 2PARA, 16 Air Assault Brigade. The live-fire exercises were part of Operation Askari Storm, a multinational training exercise occurring in Kenya, Africa between U.S., British and other partner-nation forces. The training focuses on increasing the readiness and interoperability of the participating forces while placing them in tough, realistic scenarios against simulated near-peer adversaries.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Lytle)
AMFREVILLE, France – Wreaths lay in front of a stone plaque here June 4, which were dedicated to the memory of Lt. Col. Charles J. Timmes, commander of 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, during the invasion of Normandy who landed in an orchard during the invasion of Normandy and held his position for three days before being able to evade the enemy. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and 6 nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6....
Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division (left), and 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., race for a ball during an All American Week 100 soccer match at Towle Stadium, Fort Bragg, N.C., May 22, 2017. During All American Week 100, Paratroopers from throughout the Division competed in softball, soccer, flag football, tug-of-war, combatives, boxing, a best squad competition, a combat fitness test and the Little Group of Paratroopers competition for bragging rights and a shot at “Best Battalion.” All American Week is an opportunity for Paratroopers, past and present, to come together and celebrate the history, heritage and pride of being members of the All American Division. This year’s All American Week theme is, “Celebrating a Century of Service!” (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis Umanzor)
Ulrich, 9, and Lorraine 6, children of Sgt. Jeffrey Fancisco, 508th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division attend a cousin’s wedding in Manila, Philippines. They are the flower girl and best man.
Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment patrol November 19, 2018 in Kenya, Africa for a simulated enemy during a live-fire exercise alongside British paratroopers of 2PARA, 16 Air Assault Brigade. The live-fire exercises were part of Operation Askari Storm, a multinational training exercise occurring in Kenya, Africa between U.S., British and other partner-nation forces. The training focuses on increasing the readiness and interoperability of the participating forces while placing them in tough, realistic scenarios against simulated near-peer adversaries.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Lytle)
Cpl. Zachary Pope, a Paratrooper and infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, defends his goal as he secures a ball during an All American Week 100 soccer match at Towle Stadium, Fort Bragg, N.C., May 22, 2017. During All American Week 100, Paratroopers from throughout the Division competed in softball, soccer, flag football, tug-of-war, combatives, boxing, a best squad competition, a combat fitness test and the Little Group of Paratroopers competition for bragging rights and a shot at “Best Battalion.” All American Week is an opportunity for Paratroopers, past and present, to come together and celebrate the history, heritage and pride of being members of the All American Division. This year’s All American Week theme is, “Celebrating a Century of Service!” (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis Umanzor)
This is a manipulated photo for the Down Under Challenge
Press the letter "L" for a better look.
It’s not my intention to disparage these valiant fighting men. Instead I will rely on their world class sense of humor.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ross Wienshenker with 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and Staff Sgt. Jason Hughes with 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division discuss their upcoming mission to the Arghandab River Valley at the Joint District Community Center, Arghandab District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 13, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Juan Valdes/Released)
May 30, 2019 wedding between Rita Mendoja and Ulrich Gernhardt. 508th ceremony performed by County Clerk Ann Grossi.
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France -- President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande stand in front the wreath they placed here June 6, during a moment of silence for the fallen and missing Soldiers that were lost during the invasion of Normandy, 70 years ago. During the ceremony President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande spoke to over 10,000 attendees including approximately 400 WWII veterans. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the Normandy region. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go tohttp://www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6-1944. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
This is a 1/72 model of a Tiger tank variant probably designed to function as a recovery vehicle, or a demolition carrier according to other source. What I know is that this will be another nice Tiger variant for my new tank collection. Yes, another new collection.
The vehicle probably served with the 508th Heavy Tank Battalion during the battle at Anzio in Italy in May 1944, according to the magazine that it came with. The model is made of plastic + metal, as you can see on the wheels and turret. It looked plasticky and lacks in 'crispness' when placed beside my Sturmtiger, another variant of the Tiger tank, but its cheap anyway, and light, too light perhaps for its size. My other smaller Panzer IV weighed twice as heavy lol.
U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct a static line airdrop from U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Joint Operational Access Exercise (JOAX) 13-02, Feb. 24, 2013, at Sicily drop zone, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Des soldats de l’équipe de combat de la 4e Brigade de la 82e Division aéroportée, issus du 1er Bataillon, 508e Régiment d’infanterie aéroportée, de l’US Army, effectuent un saut à ouverture automatique depuis un avion C-17 Globemaster III de l’US Air Force, dans la zone de largage Sicily, dans le cadre de l’exercice Joint Operational Access 13 (JOAX 13), à Fort Bragg, en Caroline du Nord, le 24 février 2013.
Photo : Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson
130224-F-XT249-426
AMFREVILLE, France – Ernie Lamson, a WWII veteran and former Soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, still wears his original Airborne wings, now around his left wrist. XX earned his ‘wings’ in 1943 when he graduated Airborne School. XX attended a ceremony here June 4 commemorating Lt. Col. Charles Timmes,’ commander of 2nd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, during the invasion of Normandy who landed in an orchard field and was help down by Germans for three days before being able to evade the enemy. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and 6 nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6.... (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Gloyer, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment gives an Afghan child a fist bump in Rajan Qala, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, during Operation Fazilat - a coalition effort to clear the area of improvised explosive devices and establish a presence in the community. (Photo by: Staff Sgt. Christine Jones)
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France -- The U.S. Army Color Guard participates in the ceremony here June 6, before the U.S. Army Europe Bandy begins the national anthems of the U.S. and France. The ceremony is dedicated to commemorating the memory of the Soldiers who gave their lives 70 years ago fighting to end Nazi occupation of Europe. During the ceremony President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande spoke to over 10,000 attendees including approximately 400 WWII veterans. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the Normandy region. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go tohttp://www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6-1944. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment react to simulated enemy contact during a training patrol alongside British paratroopers of 2PARA, 16 Air Assault Brigade on November 27, 2018 in Kenya, Africa. The training scenario was part of Operation Askari Storm, a multinational training exercise occurring in Kenya, Africa between U.S., British and other partner-nation forces. The training focuses on increasing the readiness and interoperability of the participating forces while placing them in tough, realistic scenarios against simulated near-peer adversaries.
New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers with the 508th Military Police Company and 143rd Transportation Company are briefed during in-processing and medical screening for state activation at the Teaneck Armory in Teaneck, N.J., March 19, 2020. The New Jersey National Guard has more than 150 members activated to support state and local authorities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Bother the 508th and 143rd will be working with the New Jersey Department of Health and local first responders at a mobile testing facility located at Bergen Community College in Paramus, N.J. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht)
U.S. Army Soldiers with the New Jersey National Guard's 508th Military Police Company take part in the updated combat pistol qualification course (CPQC) on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 10, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht)
The F-105 Thunderchief, which would become a legend in the history of the Vietnam War, started out very modestly as a proposal for a large, supersonic replacement for the RF-84F Thunderflash tactical reconnaissance fighter in 1951. Later this was expanded by Republic’s famous chief designer, Alexander Kartveli, to a nuclear-capable, high-speed, low-altitude penetration tactical fighter-bomber which could also replace the F-84 Thunderstreak.
The USAF liked the idea, as the F-84 had shown itself to be at a disadvantage against Chinese and Soviet-flown MiG-15s over Korea, and ordered 200 of the new design before it was even finalized. This order was reduced to only 37 aircraft with the end of the Korean War, but nonetheless the first YF-105A Thunderchief flew in October 1955. Although it was equipped with an interim J57 engine and had drag problems, it still achieved supersonic speed. When the design was further refined as the YF-105B, with the J75 engine and area ruling, it went over Mach 2. This was in spite of the fact that the design had mushroomed in size from Kartveli’s initial idea to one of the largest and heaviest fighter ever to serve with the USAF: fully loaded, the F-105 was heavier than a B-17 bomber. The USAF ordered 1800 F-105s, though this would be reduced to 830 examples.
Almost immediately, the F-105 began to be plagued with problems. Some of the trouble could be traced to the normal teething problems of any new aircraft, but for awhile it seemed the Thunderchief was too hot to handle, with a catastrophically high accident rate. This led to the aircraft getting the nickname of “Thud,” supposedly for the sound it made when hitting the ground, along with other not-so-affectionate monikers such as “Ultra Hog” and “Squat Bomber.” Despite its immense size and bad reputation, however, the F-105 was superb at high speeds, especially at low level, was difficult to stall, and its cockpit was commended for its ergonomic layout. Earlier “narrow-nose” F-105Bs were replaced by wider-nosed, radar-equipped F-105Ds, the mainline version of the Thunderchief, while two-seat F-105Fs were built as conversion trainers.
Had it not been for the Vietnam War, however, the F-105 might have gone down in history as simply another mildly successful 1950s era design. Deployed to Vietnam at the beginning of the American involvement there in 1964, the Thunderchief was soon heading to North Vietnam to attack targets there in the opening rounds of Operation Rolling Thunder; this was in spite of the fact that the F-105 was designed primarily as a low-level (and, as its pilots insisted, one-way) tactical nuclear bomber. Instead, F-105s were heading north festooned with conventional bombs.
As Rolling Thunder gradually expanded to all of North Vietnam, now-camouflaged Thuds “going Downtown” became iconic, fighting their way through the densest concentration of antiaircraft fire in history, along with SAMs and MiG fighters. The F-105 now gained a reputation for something else: toughness, a Republic hallmark. Nor were they defenseless: unlike the USAF’s primary fighter, the F-4 Phantom II, the F-105 retained an internal 20mm gatling cannon, and MiG-17s which engaged F-105s was far from a foregone conclusion, as 27 MiGs were shot down by F-105s for the loss of about 20. If nothing else, Thud pilots no longer burdened with bombs could simply elect to head home at Mach 2 and two thousand feet, outdistancing any MiG defenders.
If the Thud had any weakness, it was its hydraulic system, which was found to be extremely vulnerable to damage. However, it was likely more due to poor tactics and the restrictive Rules of Engagement, which sent F-105s into battle on predictable routes, unable to return fire on SAM sites until missiles were launched at them, and their F-4 escorts hamstrung by being forced to wait until MiGs were on attack runs before the MiGs could be engaged. The tropical climate also took a toll on man and machine, with the end result that 382 F-105s were lost over Vietnam, nearly half of all Thuds ever produced and the highest loss rate of any USAF aircraft.
The combination of a high loss rate and the fact that the F-105 really was not designed to be used in the fashion it was over Vietnam led to the type’s gradual withdrawal after 1968 in favor of more F-4s and a USAF version of the USN’s A-7 Corsair II. An improved all-weather bombing system, Thunderstick II, was given to a few of the F-105D survivors, but this was not used operationally.
The Thud soldiered on another decade in Air National Guard and Reserve units until February 1984, when the type was finally retired in favor of the F-16, and its spiritual successor, the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
F-105D 62-4375 was delivered to the USAF's 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Itazuke, Japan in 1963. It does not appear to have flown combat in Vietnam, though its history does list serving with the 6441st TFW (Provisional) at Yokota; the 6441st did send detachments to Southeast Asia at the beginning of Operation Rolling Thunder, before units were permanently based in Thailand. It remained in Asia after being transferred to the 18th TFW at Kadena in 1967.
In 1971, 62-4375 was transferred back to the States at the "Home of the Thud," with the 23rd TFW at McConnell AFB, Kansas. It was then relegated to the USAF Reserve in 1972, first with the 507th TFG (Reserve) at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, then to the last F-105 unit in the USAF, the 508th TFG (Reserve) at Hill AFB, Utah in 1980. 62-4375 was among the last F-105s to be retired in 1984.
The aircraft was saved from scrapping by its donation to the IG Brown Professional Military Education Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, but in 1992, the center no longer wanted 62-4375, so it was picked up by the Combat Air Museum in Topeka, Kansas. Due to the Thud's close association with Kansas--most F-105 pilots trained over the state--the CAM had been looking for a Thud for awhile.
Today, 62-4375 is in good shape, albeit in inaccurate markings applied during its time in Tennessee. F-105s were painted overall silver during Operation Lookalike in the early 1960s, before adopting Southeast Asia camouflage; several museums use overall gray to simulate this, as silver and bare metal are hard to maintain. However, it also carries the tail stripe and unit patch of the 192nd TFG (Virginia ANG) at Richmond, the last ANG unit to operate the Thud. However, the 192nd's F-105s were all camouflaged.
Nonetheless, seeing a Thud anywhere is a treat for me, so I'm hardly complaining.
PICAUVILLE, France – Paratroopers prepare to land here June 8, during an event where service members from the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italian, Netherlands and United Kingdom perform airborne operations together. The event hosted more than 50,000 spectators who witnessed approximately 750 paratroopers jump to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battles that took place around Normandy and the paratroopers and Soldiers who fought on the same ground they were on. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to <a href=http://www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6-1944
"Taken One Sunny Morning In Ireland" The caption written by James T. Wynne. From left to right are: Arthur F. Dreager, George Luperchio, Wilkerson, Cpl Jim Wynne.
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Use with permission from James T . Wynne via: www.508pir.org/index.htm
PICAUVILLE, France – A German paratrooper gathers his parachute after a safe landing here June 8, during an event where paratroopers from the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italian, Netherlands and United Kingdom perform airborne operations together. The event hosted more than 50,000 spectators who witnessed approximately 750 paratroopers jump to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battles that took place around Normandy and the paratroopers and Soldiers who fought on the same ground they were on. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the region of Normandy. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go to www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6.... (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
Soldiers assigned to 2-508th PIR, 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division conduct live fire rehearsal at peason Ridge training area, October 3, 2016 during rotation 17-01 at JRTC.
Nashville recording artist Kristy Lee Cook is swept off her feet by 2nd Lt. Jake Freeman, a native of Suwanee, Ga., at Sicily Drop Zone during the 15th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop at Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 8, 2012. Cook, an American Idol contestant in 2008, entertained the Soldiers and others while waiting for fog to lift on the drop zone. Freeman is with the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. Soldiers donated a new, unwrapped toy yesterday at Pope Army Airfield's Green Ramp to earn a seat for today's jump and also the chance to earn airborne jump wings from participating Allied nation jumpmasters. Toy Drop, hosted by the U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), is the largest combined airborne operation in the world.
U.S. Army Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, load their backpacks on to a bus at the National Guard Armory at Blackwood, N.J., Jan. 9, 2021. The Soldiers are part of nearly 500 New Jersey Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen deploying to Washington, D.C. The mission is to support the District of Columbia National Guard and local law enforcement, providing security, protection of national monuments, and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. The mission will last at a minimum until Inauguration Day Jan. 20. In addition to the 114th, Soldiers from the 102nd Cavalry Regiment and the 508th Military Police Company, as well as Airmen from the 108th Wing and 177th Fighter Wing will be deploying in support of this mission. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)
A paratrooper from 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment scans for a simulated enemy from a fighting position November 30, 2018 in Kenya, Africa. The training scenario was part of Operation Askari Storm, a multinational training exercise occurring in Kenya, Africa between U.S., British and other partner-nation forces. The training focuses on increasing the readiness and interoperability of the participating forces while placing them in tough, realistic scenarios against simulated near-peer adversaries.
German Army Maj. Pascal Hark, left, "pins" a German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge (Fallschirmspringerabzeichen) on the chest of Sgt. 1st Class Donny Hagan with the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, during the 16th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop, at Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 7, 2013. Hagan, a Muskogee, Okla. native, previously earned Australian airborne wings on another multinational airborne operation. (U.S. Army photo by Timothy L. Hale/Released)
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets with attendees here June 6, at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial before the ceremony commemorating the memory of the Soldiers who gave their lives 70 years ago fighting to end the Nazi occupation of Europe. During the ceremony President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande spoke to over 10,000 attendees including approximately 400 WWII veterans. The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during WWII, June 6, 1944. Task Force Normandy, led by the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, has organized 650 personnel from twenty U.S. units and six nations, at the invitation of the French government, to participate in the events happening across the Normandy region. For more information on the events and the history of the operations conducted here, go tohttp://www.eucom.mil/key-activities/featured-events/d-day-june-6-1944. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)
Sainte-Mère-Eglise, le jour le plus long du 505th.
Bien qu’une heure du matin soit passée en ce 6 juin 1944, les habitants du village de Sainte-Mère-Eglise se pressent sur la place de l’église. Malgré le couvre-feu et alertés par le tocsin, ils ont découvert la maison en feu de Julia Pommier et s’affairent le long d’une chaîne humaine afin de circonscrire l’incendie. Encadrés par les soldats allemands du Grenadier-Régiment 1058, 91. Infanterie-Division, les normands perçoivent un bruit au loin. Depuis 23h, ce vrombissement se fait entendre, mais là, le bruit s’amplifie.
Puis dans la nuit, les civils sont médusés : des avions passent en formation. Une première vague, puis une deuxième venant de l’Ouest survole la péninsule du Cotentin. Les habitants, comme l’occupant allemand, sentaient que quelque chose se préparait, que les alliés allaient bientôt tenter de percer ce Mur de l’Atlantique. Mais ils ignoraient où et quand ?
Il est 1h15 (heure française) et la troisième vague se présente au-dessus de Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Soudain, les C-47 crachent leurs volées de parachutistes, pris pour cibles par les rafales allemandes. Les hommes de la 82nd US Airborne Division s’élancent vers le sol de France, au Nord-Ouest du futur secteur Utah Beach. Le Jour J, les régiments de la division aéroportée ont 3 missions principales :
•Le 505th Parachute Infantry Régiment doit s’emparer de Sainte-Mère-Eglise, codé Brooklyn pour les alliés, et de son réseau de communications stratégiques sur la RN13. Le 505th doit également capturer et tenir deux ponts sur le Merderet, à La Fière et Chef-du-Pont. Puis les paras devront signaler et sécuriser la Landing Zone W pour les planeurs.
•Le 507th PIR doit cloisonner le secteur à l’Ouest du Merderet et soutenir le 505th pour la défense des ponts.
•Le 508th PIR doit détruire les ponts de Beuzeville et former la réserve de la division.
Cependant les tirs de la Flak ennemie et le stress des pilotes de C-47 rendent les largages des parachutistes difficiles. Devant être droppés plus au Sud, vers Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, des membres de la 101st US Airborne Division se retrouvent largués avec leurs camarades de la 82nd Airborne.
Il est 1h15, et ce sont d'abord les boys des 502nd et 506th PIR, 101st US Airborne, qui se balancent au-dessus du bourg de Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Le maire Alexandre Renaud enjoint ses administrés à se rendre aux abris. La F Compagny du 505th arrive ensuite sur le guêpier de la place du village. Les allemands ouvrent le feu sur les corolles flottant au vent. Alfred Van Holsbeck se dirige vers les flammes de la maison Pommier. Il hurle, puis péri dans le brasier. Destinée cruelle, des hommes meurent avant d'avoir touché le sol. Six parachutistes pendent aux arbres, tués dans leurs harnais.
L’institutrice va aux toilettes quand une ombre imposante apparait. Robert Murphy vient de toucher terre à vingt mètres d’elle. Les arbres de la place de l’église reçoivent la visite du para Blanchard, qui pour se dégager et échapper à la tuerie, sectionne ses sangles et un de ses deux pouces sans s’en apercevoir. Cliff Maughan atterrit dans le jardin de Mr Monnier, le vétérinaire, et est mis en joue par Werner, un officier allemand. Mais ce dernier, comprenant l’importance du largage américain, se rend à son tour au soldat Maughan.
Au coin Nord-Ouest de l’église, John M. Steele reste accroché par son parachute à l’édifice. Quant à Kenneth Russel, sa toile se prend au toit du transept Nord. En essayant de prendre son poignard, Steele le fait maladroitement tomber à proximité d’un allemand. Le feldgrau lève la tête et ouvre le feu sur le para, le blessant au pied. Steele se résout alors à faire le mort pendant deux à trois heures, malmené par le bruyant tumulte des cloches. Positionné dans le clocher, Rudolf May agrippe le parachute de Steele et hisse l’américain hors du vide (fait prisonnier, Steele parviendra à s’échapper deux ou trois jours plus tard. Il souffrira plusieurs semaines de surdité, mais réalisera son quatrième saut de combat lors de l’opération Market Garden en Hollande en septembre 1944).
Aux alentours, des éléments du 505th PIR ont atterri et se sont regroupés pour donner l’assaut. Dans le même temps les allemands sont perplexes face aux évènements. Ils quittent le bourg et partent en direction du Sud vers le château de Fauville.
Le 3/505th avance prudemment dans les rues de la commune, bientôt rejoint par le Lieutenant-Colonel Krause et 158 hommes. Vers 5h, Sainte-Mère-Eglise est aux mains des américains, et pour quelques minutes à 6h30, le drapeau étoilé flotte sur l’hôtel de ville. Vers 9h, 360 paras du 3/505th tiennent le village, retranchés derrière 7 barrages routiers.
Néanmoins, les paras du Général Ridgway doivent empêcher les contre-attaques dans le secteur. Le 2/505th se met en position défensive au Nord, à Neuville-au-Plain. Leur commandant, le Lieutenant-Colonel Vandervoort se déplace dans une remorque à munition, la cheville gauche brisée lors de son atterrissage. Son supérieur, le Colonel Ekman, n’arrivait pas à joindre le 3rd battalion. Inquiet, il a donc ordonné à Vandervoort de rejoindre le groupe de Krause.
Les américains doivent encaisser les nombreux assauts des allemands, déterminés à reprendre possession du village et de son nœud routier. Dès 9h30, les combats sont acharnés et les Sainte-Mère-Eglisais paient un lourd tribut pour leur libération. Blessé trois fois dans la journée, Le Lieutenant-Colonel Krause laisse la place à Vandervoort et au Major Hagan. Au crépuscule du D-Day, Sainte-Mère-Eglise est un bastion isolé. Les parachutistes accusent de lourdes pertes et le moral est bas. Le 7 juin, même sans nouvelles du VIIth US Corps débarqué la veille sur Utah Beach, ils doivent tenir leur avantage. Car à 9h, l’artillerie allemande fracasse l’entrée Nord du village. Des blindés s’approchent sur la RN13, mais les paras neutralisent la menace. Enfin, vers 15h, le contact est établi avec des GI’s du 8th Infantry Régiment, 4th US Infantry Division. Après l’emploi d’autres tirs d’artillerie, les allemands relâchent peu à peu leur pression dans la soirée. Après 40 heures de combats, les habitants peuvent souffler et savourer la fin de l’Occupation.
Pour les hommes de la 82nd US Airborne Division, la Bataille de Normandie commence, Sainte-Mère-Eglise n’étant que la première étape d’une campagne qui durera 35 jours.
L'ultime tir du Sergent Ray
Le Jour J, le Sergent John P. Ray (photo ci-contre) est membre de la Fox Compagny du 505th PIR. Il glisse avec son parachute le long du toit de l’église de Sainte-Mère-Eglise puis chute lourdement. Un autre para de sa compagnie, John Steele, voit sa toile s’accrocher au clocher. Il n'est pas seul, car Kenneth Russel est également en mauvaise posture, lui-aussi resté suspendu un peu plus bas contre le transept de l'église. Un allemand assiste à ces péripéties. Cependant ce dernier remarque aussi au sol le Sgt Ray et fait d’abord feu sur lui, le touchant mortellement à l'estomac. Puis l’allemand vise John Steele et Kenneth Russel. Soudain, le Sgt Ray se redresse et abat son agresseur dans un ultime effort. Il sauve ainsi la vie de ses camarades mais succombe ensuite. Sa tombe se trouve au cimetière militaire américain de Colleville-sur-mer, plot E, rangée 26, tombe 36.
Devant l’église est aujourd'hui placé un monument qui rappelle la libération de la commune par les paras américains. A l’intérieur du bâtiment religieux deux vitraux rendent hommage aux hommes de la 82nd US Airborne Division, et un mannequin placé sur le clocher envoi un clin d’oeil à l’odyssée de John Steele (décédé le 16 mai 1969). Des impacts sont encore visibles sur la façade, car les troupes aéroportées ont dû tirer sur le clocher pour déloger des vigies allemandes.
Rendez-vous à l'Airborne Muséum, à droite de la place de l’église. Trois bâtiments, dont la première pierre fut posée par le Général Gavin en 1962, vous propose de revivre et comprendre les préparatifs et l’action des 82nd et 101st US Airborne Divisions. L’un abrite un planeur Waco, le seul d’Europe. On y voit notamment une réplique d’un rupert, ces mannequins largués lors de l'opération Titanic pour leurrer l’ennemi allemand. L’autre abrite un C-47, et des bornes présentent une riche documentation sur la libération du village. Deux films racontent les évènements de l’opération Overlord.
Une extension a été inaugurée en mai 2014 et permet aux visiteurs de s'immerger dans l'épopée des paras américains aux premières heures de la Libération de la France. Devant l’accueil (ou se trouvait la fameuse maison en flammes), un Char américain Sherman et un canon sont exposés.
A l’intérieur du village une dizaine de panneaux jalonnent les rues et racontent les évènements passés. La commune regroupe également plusieurs magasins de militaria, qui font le bonheur des amateurs de tous horizons.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise abrita le premier cimetière américain de la Libération et regroupait 13 000 dépouilles (photos ci-dessous). En 1948, les corps furent rapatriés soit aux Etats-Unis, ou déposés aux cimetières de Saint-James et Colleville-sur-mer. Une stèle commémorative près du complexe sportif marque depuis l’emplacement ou il se trouvait auparavant (voir l'article Les cimetières provisoires américains de Sainte-Mère-Eglise).
Sainte-Mère-Eglise, le jour le plus long du 505th.
Bien qu’une heure du matin soit passée en ce 6 juin 1944, les habitants du village de Sainte-Mère-Eglise se pressent sur la place de l’église. Malgré le couvre-feu et alertés par le tocsin, ils ont découvert la maison en feu de Julia Pommier et s’affairent le long d’une chaîne humaine afin de circonscrire l’incendie. Encadrés par les soldats allemands du Grenadier-Régiment 1058, 91. Infanterie-Division, les normands perçoivent un bruit au loin. Depuis 23h, ce vrombissement se fait entendre, mais là, le bruit s’amplifie.
Puis dans la nuit, les civils sont médusés : des avions passent en formation. Une première vague, puis une deuxième venant de l’Ouest survole la péninsule du Cotentin. Les habitants, comme l’occupant allemand, sentaient que quelque chose se préparait, que les alliés allaient bientôt tenter de percer ce Mur de l’Atlantique. Mais ils ignoraient où et quand ?
Il est 1h15 (heure française) et la troisième vague se présente au-dessus de Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Soudain, les C-47 crachent leurs volées de parachutistes, pris pour cibles par les rafales allemandes. Les hommes de la 82nd US Airborne Division s’élancent vers le sol de France, au Nord-Ouest du futur secteur Utah Beach. Le Jour J, les régiments de la division aéroportée ont 3 missions principales :
•Le 505th Parachute Infantry Régiment doit s’emparer de Sainte-Mère-Eglise, codé Brooklyn pour les alliés, et de son réseau de communications stratégiques sur la RN13. Le 505th doit également capturer et tenir deux ponts sur le Merderet, à La Fière et Chef-du-Pont. Puis les paras devront signaler et sécuriser la Landing Zone W pour les planeurs.
•Le 507th PIR doit cloisonner le secteur à l’Ouest du Merderet et soutenir le 505th pour la défense des ponts.
•Le 508th PIR doit détruire les ponts de Beuzeville et former la réserve de la division.
Cependant les tirs de la Flak ennemie et le stress des pilotes de C-47 rendent les largages des parachutistes difficiles. Devant être droppés plus au Sud, vers Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, des membres de la 101st US Airborne Division se retrouvent largués avec leurs camarades de la 82nd Airborne.
Il est 1h15, et ce sont d'abord les boys des 502nd et 506th PIR, 101st US Airborne, qui se balancent au-dessus du bourg de Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Le maire Alexandre Renaud enjoint ses administrés à se rendre aux abris. La F Compagny du 505th arrive ensuite sur le guêpier de la place du village. Les allemands ouvrent le feu sur les corolles flottant au vent. Alfred Van Holsbeck se dirige vers les flammes de la maison Pommier. Il hurle, puis péri dans le brasier. Destinée cruelle, des hommes meurent avant d'avoir touché le sol. Six parachutistes pendent aux arbres, tués dans leurs harnais.
L’institutrice va aux toilettes quand une ombre imposante apparait. Robert Murphy vient de toucher terre à vingt mètres d’elle. Les arbres de la place de l’église reçoivent la visite du para Blanchard, qui pour se dégager et échapper à la tuerie, sectionne ses sangles et un de ses deux pouces sans s’en apercevoir. Cliff Maughan atterrit dans le jardin de Mr Monnier, le vétérinaire, et est mis en joue par Werner, un officier allemand. Mais ce dernier, comprenant l’importance du largage américain, se rend à son tour au soldat Maughan.
Au coin Nord-Ouest de l’église, John M. Steele reste accroché par son parachute à l’édifice. Quant à Kenneth Russel, sa toile se prend au toit du transept Nord. En essayant de prendre son poignard, Steele le fait maladroitement tomber à proximité d’un allemand. Le feldgrau lève la tête et ouvre le feu sur le para, le blessant au pied. Steele se résout alors à faire le mort pendant deux à trois heures, malmené par le bruyant tumulte des cloches. Positionné dans le clocher, Rudolf May agrippe le parachute de Steele et hisse l’américain hors du vide (fait prisonnier, Steele parviendra à s’échapper deux ou trois jours plus tard. Il souffrira plusieurs semaines de surdité, mais réalisera son quatrième saut de combat lors de l’opération Market Garden en Hollande en septembre 1944).
Aux alentours, des éléments du 505th PIR ont atterri et se sont regroupés pour donner l’assaut. Dans le même temps les allemands sont perplexes face aux évènements. Ils quittent le bourg et partent en direction du Sud vers le château de Fauville.
Le 3/505th avance prudemment dans les rues de la commune, bientôt rejoint par le Lieutenant-Colonel Krause et 158 hommes. Vers 5h, Sainte-Mère-Eglise est aux mains des américains, et pour quelques minutes à 6h30, le drapeau étoilé flotte sur l’hôtel de ville. Vers 9h, 360 paras du 3/505th tiennent le village, retranchés derrière 7 barrages routiers.
Néanmoins, les paras du Général Ridgway doivent empêcher les contre-attaques dans le secteur. Le 2/505th se met en position défensive au Nord, à Neuville-au-Plain. Leur commandant, le Lieutenant-Colonel Vandervoort se déplace dans une remorque à munition, la cheville gauche brisée lors de son atterrissage. Son supérieur, le Colonel Ekman, n’arrivait pas à joindre le 3rd battalion. Inquiet, il a donc ordonné à Vandervoort de rejoindre le groupe de Krause.
Les américains doivent encaisser les nombreux assauts des allemands, déterminés à reprendre possession du village et de son nœud routier. Dès 9h30, les combats sont acharnés et les Sainte-Mère-Eglisais paient un lourd tribut pour leur libération. Blessé trois fois dans la journée, Le Lieutenant-Colonel Krause laisse la place à Vandervoort et au Major Hagan. Au crépuscule du D-Day, Sainte-Mère-Eglise est un bastion isolé. Les parachutistes accusent de lourdes pertes et le moral est bas. Le 7 juin, même sans nouvelles du VIIth US Corps débarqué la veille sur Utah Beach, ils doivent tenir leur avantage. Car à 9h, l’artillerie allemande fracasse l’entrée Nord du village. Des blindés s’approchent sur la RN13, mais les paras neutralisent la menace. Enfin, vers 15h, le contact est établi avec des GI’s du 8th Infantry Régiment, 4th US Infantry Division. Après l’emploi d’autres tirs d’artillerie, les allemands relâchent peu à peu leur pression dans la soirée. Après 40 heures de combats, les habitants peuvent souffler et savourer la fin de l’Occupation.
Pour les hommes de la 82nd US Airborne Division, la Bataille de Normandie commence, Sainte-Mère-Eglise n’étant que la première étape d’une campagne qui durera 35 jours.
L'ultime tir du Sergent Ray
Le Jour J, le Sergent John P. Ray (photo ci-contre) est membre de la Fox Compagny du 505th PIR. Il glisse avec son parachute le long du toit de l’église de Sainte-Mère-Eglise puis chute lourdement. Un autre para de sa compagnie, John Steele, voit sa toile s’accrocher au clocher. Il n'est pas seul, car Kenneth Russel est également en mauvaise posture, lui-aussi resté suspendu un peu plus bas contre le transept de l'église. Un allemand assiste à ces péripéties. Cependant ce dernier remarque aussi au sol le Sgt Ray et fait d’abord feu sur lui, le touchant mortellement à l'estomac. Puis l’allemand vise John Steele et Kenneth Russel. Soudain, le Sgt Ray se redresse et abat son agresseur dans un ultime effort. Il sauve ainsi la vie de ses camarades mais succombe ensuite. Sa tombe se trouve au cimetière militaire américain de Colleville-sur-mer, plot E, rangée 26, tombe 36.
Devant l’église est aujourd'hui placé un monument qui rappelle la libération de la commune par les paras américains. A l’intérieur du bâtiment religieux deux vitraux rendent hommage aux hommes de la 82nd US Airborne Division, et un mannequin placé sur le clocher envoi un clin d’oeil à l’odyssée de John Steele (décédé le 16 mai 1969). Des impacts sont encore visibles sur la façade, car les troupes aéroportées ont dû tirer sur le clocher pour déloger des vigies allemandes.
Rendez-vous à l'Airborne Muséum, à droite de la place de l’église. Trois bâtiments, dont la première pierre fut posée par le Général Gavin en 1962, vous propose de revivre et comprendre les préparatifs et l’action des 82nd et 101st US Airborne Divisions. L’un abrite un planeur Waco, le seul d’Europe. On y voit notamment une réplique d’un rupert, ces mannequins largués lors de l'opération Titanic pour leurrer l’ennemi allemand. L’autre abrite un C-47, et des bornes présentent une riche documentation sur la libération du village. Deux films racontent les évènements de l’opération Overlord.
Une extension a été inaugurée en mai 2014 et permet aux visiteurs de s'immerger dans l'épopée des paras américains aux premières heures de la Libération de la France. Devant l’accueil (ou se trouvait la fameuse maison en flammes), un Char américain Sherman et un canon sont exposés.
A l’intérieur du village une dizaine de panneaux jalonnent les rues et racontent les évènements passés. La commune regroupe également plusieurs magasins de militaria, qui font le bonheur des amateurs de tous horizons.
Sainte-Mère-Eglise abrita le premier cimetière américain de la Libération et regroupait 13 000 dépouilles (photos ci-dessous). En 1948, les corps furent rapatriés soit aux Etats-Unis, ou déposés aux cimetières de Saint-James et Colleville-sur-mer. Une stèle commémorative près du complexe sportif marque depuis l’emplacement ou il se trouvait auparavant (voir l'article Les cimetières provisoires américains de Sainte-Mère-Eglise).
18ft high memorial, comprising a bronze statue of a soldier on a limestone pedestal. Originally erected to commemorate the 30 local men who lost their lives in World War I, additional plaques have been added to include those who died in World War II and in the conflict in Iraq. There is also a plaque commemorating the men of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army who were stationed at Camp Cromore from 9 January to 11 March 1944.