Alabama airlifters assist Airborne Anniversary

  • Published
  • By Gene H. Hughes
  • 908th Public Affairs
FORT BENNING, Ga. --  The 908th Airlift Wing recently received an invitation to take part in the 75th Anniversary of the very first air drop of American paratroopers here.

"What an honor to not only participate, but to be specifically requested to do so by Fort Benning," said Capt. Brian Powell, aircraft commander for the 908th C-130. "To be a part of such an important milestone in Army history was a distinct milestone in my career, not to mention the incredible experience it was to not only share the same airspace as a C-47, but to drop on the same airfield only a few minutes behind."

"It was certainly a rare experience and one that our whole crew was honored to be a part of, and now Maxwell is forever etched into the Army history books."

On Aug. 16, 1940, 10 members of the Army's Airborne Test Platoon, led by 1st Lt. William T. Ryder, made the first official parachute jump from a Douglas B-18.

An audience of roughly 500 people watched as three generations of aircraft dropped paratroopers onto Lawson Army Airfield, temporarily renamed King Drop Zone in honor of Pvt. William N. "Red" King, the first enlisted man to jump.

King was originally the second soldier in line, but, when jump time came, the first man froze, even though he had refused several monetary offers for his place. King's place in airborne history was assured.

The commemoration began with The Liberty Jump Team, an organization of re-enactors dressed and equipped as World War II-era paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne, jumping from a vintage C-47 Skytrain. Team members, who range in age from 20s to 70s, are active-duty, Reserve and Guard members with peacetime or combat experience. Resumes include service in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, Iraq or Afghanistan.

Following this nod to the past, the event offered several looks at the present. Members of the U.S. Army Pathfinder School jumped from two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Benning's Ranger Flight Company. The Pathfinder mission is to jump and establish drop/landing zones for airborne/air assault operations.

Once the Pathfinders touched down, they set up communications with the event's final aircraft, represented by two C-17 Globemaster IIIs of the 315th Airlift Wing from Charleston, and the 908th's C-130 Hercules.

The 908th's participation was requested by Lt. Col. Korey Brown, commander of the 1st Battalion,  507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which executes the school's training mission.

The school has been turning to the wing to help fulfill its mission -- training Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines for initial airdrop qualification -- for several years. It's a relationship which benefits both organizations. The school produces highly trained airborne troops for the nation's defense, while the wing receives valuable paratroop drop experience for its aircrews.

"Our relationship with the school is a testament to the talent and exceptional capability the 908th brings to the force," said Powell, who has supported airborne training missions over the past five years.  "The Basic Airborne folks know they can count on us to meet their requirements." 

"Every time we see the 908th here, we're excited because of the level of support and professionalism they bring," Brown said. "It's second to none. We requested them, not only for this event, but for other operations as well. They've always come through for us, and we're always glad to have them."

"Unfortunately, the 75th Anniversary only happens once," Brown told the participants after the jumps. "Otherwise, we'd be trying to set it up again for next week. Thank you for being here. This is a pretty huge deal. You're a part of history."