Featured Articles

The 503rd Song
by 503rd PRCT Association WWII, North and South Carolina Chapter

The 503rd song was composed by Corporal Kenneth Brown of the Special Services Section, Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company, in November 1942 aboard the god ship Poleau Laut ("Dump the garbage”), a Dutch Banana boat converted to a troopship, which was carrying the 503rd Parachute Infant ... continue reading

Churchill Visits Fort Jackson, S.C.
by Todd M Mayer

While stationed at Fort Bragg, elements of the 503rd made several exhibition jumps for notable dignitaries. The jumps were designed to impress and demonstrate the abilities of the newly created airborne parachute units. One such jump occurred on June 24, 1942 in front of a high ranking audience tha ... continue reading

The Wildcat Patch
by Todd M Mayer

While digging through some of the 503rd PRCT Association's documents during their annual reunion in Fayetteville, NC in 2016, I came across a letter addressed to a Mr. Raymond C. Ramirez, along with a copy of some artwork. The letter was a response from Rebecca Cline, Walt Disney Archives Director, ... continue reading

Virgil Franklin Surber, F Co. 503rd PRCT - KIA
by Todd M Mayer

Like many young veterans of WWII that gave their last full measure for their country, Virgil Surber was never given the chance to grow old and experience the pleasures of a full life. Not having a family of his own, his memories and stories were left to those who knew him best; his parents, sibling ... continue reading