503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

[musketjon]

Interesting thread. My late father was the supply sgt for hdqtrs & hdqtrs co. in the 503rd. He didn't like the carbine and kept his M1 rifle. He also, late in the spwa campaign had a T-26 M1 rifle. He served from Nadzab (he said they called it Gnat's a$$ because that was about how big the DZ was)thru to the end including the action on Corregidor. One of my favorite pics of him was taken in July '44 on Hollandia. He's in complete jump outfit holding his trusty M1 rifle.
Jon

[painter777]

Hello Jon,
I found some interesting links and other info on the 503.

This link shows the jumps during WWII in a time line and includes the dates, place, unit, name of operation and mission:
http://www.specialforcesassociation....03.07.2013.pdf

Here is a Web Site about the 503. Be sure to click on THE STILL PHOTOS at the bottom of the page:
http://corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/index.htm

The book 'Three Winds of Death' 1st edition can only be found for big money. Thankfully they now have a affordable 2nd edition out. Below is a review of it followed by a link to purchase it.
Three Winds of Death - Book Review

Three Winds of Death


The photo of your Father.... Is there a chance you can post it?
Is there any view of a Unit Patch?

Artifacts of the 503rd

His service is greatly appreciated...

Regards,

[musketjon]

Hello Jon,
I found some interesting links and other info on the 503.

This link shows the jumps during WWII in a time line and includes the dates, place, unit, name of operation and mission:
http://www.specialforcesassociation....03.07.2013.pdf

Here is a Web Site about the 503. Be sure to click on THE STILL PHOTOS at the bottom of the page:
http://corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/index.htm

The book 'Three Winds of Death' 1st edition can only be found for big money. Thankfully they now have a affordable 2nd edition out. Below is a review of it followed by a link to purchase it.
Three Winds of Death - Book Review

Three Winds of Death


The photo of your Father.... Is there a chance you can post it?
Is there any view of a Unit Patch?

Artifacts of the 503rd

His service is greatly appreciated...

Regards,

Hi painter,
I have a 1st ed copy of 3 Winds of Death. Mom got it for me for Xmas about 40 (30?) or so years ago. There's another l-o-n-g out if print book "We Jumped to Fight" that I also have. Dad usta' go to the national reunions and local gatherings and Mom and I would accompany him. I got to know several of Dad's jump friends, including Don Abbot and John Lindgren. Unfortunately, they're all gone now.
I know about he 503rd sites--used to be active on them. I have Dad's ribbons and medals proudly displayed in a Riker case and I have his jump jacket too.
I have pictures but Photophucket is holding them hostage. I need to find another hosting site.
"Stand up and hook up!"
Jon

[lemaymiami]

Go to Imgur and establish an account there (it's a freebie - and much better than Photobucket was..).

For the pics on Photobucket - they're still there and I've found a way to retrieve them - but only one at a time (and that site is not exactly user friendly in any sense of the word..). What I do is retrieve each pic to my computer - then re-post it on Imgur to be able to post it with things I'm writing up... Call me at (954) 435-5666 and I'll gladly walk you through what's needed to get your photos... I had almost 1000 pics on Photobucket when they dropped us in a hole.... As you can guess I don't have anything good to say about them at all....

[painter777]

Jungle Fever ? Or Section 8 ?

Caption reads:

Airborne, 503rd PIR in the Pacific, note his M2 helmet with straps.



Makes me think of some kid bringing a picture to school of Dad from WWII to share for show and tell day !

[lemaymiami]

there's a party animal... Hope he lived to get back home....