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Static Line - Three Winds of Death

May 1992
Got some very welcome responses to the article In the March Issue of the Static Line relating to the formative years and the early history of the evolution of the various airborne battalions and regiments. The following letter was received from Col. Ralph Kinnes, 
U.S.A. (Ret.), Parachute Inf., P.O. Box 3441, Vero Beach, Florida 32964: 

"Enjoyed your article in the Static Line (March 92). One major nitpick. I was a Pvt. and Sgt. with the 502 Prcht. Bn. and an S/Sgt. Plat Sgt. with the 502 Prcht. Regt. The 502 Prcht. Bn. became the nucleus of the 502 Prcht. Regt. As an example, I became an S/Sgt. and a Plat Sgt. with the Regt. and was transferred to the new “E” Co. of the Regt.”

"I assume that you have a copy of the book printed in 1942 which has names and pictures of those that were in the original Prcht Bns. of the USA. 502, 503, 504. The 501 was shipped out to Panama so pictures were not available. We watched elements of the 501st ship out and as senior Prcht. Bn. we made the 1st Bn. sized tactical drops, the 1st at Ft. Bragg. We were on the cover of LIFE magazine. Our second jump was to take and hold two permanent bridges and a pontoon bridge across the Wateree River. The bridges were rated as demolished.” 

"It's fun to turn the pages and see Lt . Col. Wiley, Major James Gavin, Capt. Yarborough, Major Mosely, Capt. Rube Tucker, 1st Lt. Pat Cassidy, Capt. Chappuis, Major Sink, Capt. Higgins, Capt. Raff, etc.”

"Not nitpicking —just reliving old memories. Upon reflection, the proper terminology would be as follows: The 502 Prcht. Bn. became the nucleus of the 502 Prcht. Regt. and was also tasked with providing qualified troopers to other newly organized Parachute Bns. and Regiments. For example, as a Pvt, I made my qualifying jumps with Capt. Rube Tucker when we were both in the 502nd Bn. He was assigned to the 504th Prcht. Bn. when it was organized. His job was operations officer, S-3. Thanks — it's been fun reliving the old days. Ralph Kinnes, 502 Bn. and Regt., 101st (2), 82nd, 17th, 11th, and Special Forces." 

I just want to make a couple of comments about this letter. First, I thank Ralph for writing it. This is what this kind of column is all about. Those who have gone on before us will never die as long as they are brought to life in our memories. I don't have the book in which Ralph spoke. I was not a part of the early days of Airborne. I didn't get to jump school until June 1944, but friends of mine who died in the Philippines remain in my memory. Wars are fought by people using death-dealing devices. The history of war is a collection of people's stories — stories of all kinds, and none are Insignificant. 

Received a telephone call from Stanford Taylor, who lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Stanford told me that he enjoyed reading the March article. Stanford left Camp Roberts, CA. with about 500 prospective paratroopers and arrived at Fort Benning on Nov. 8, 1941. About half of the number qualified for the Airborne. He was In "C " Co. of the 503rd Bn. and left Benning to go to Fort Bragg with the 503rd Regt. Stanford went to Utah with "B " Co. for ski training and eventually went to the Pacific with the 11th Airborne Division in the 511th. Also, appreciate Stanford's call. Sometimes it is not easy to write this column because, unfortunately, I don't hear from too many of you, and my knowledge of the day-by-day occurrences of events In the history of the 503rd is limited. So, when I do get these calls and these letters "my cup runneth over." 

Received a copy of the 501st Parachute Battalion Association newsletter from Earl E. Chase, Troy Montana, (406) 295-5758. Earl informed me that he has sent in his dues to the 503rd Assn. and says that things are looking good for the 501st reunion scheduled for 27-31 August 1992 but says that "it is apparent that some of our troopers are still missing like some of the old communications gang, for example Sgts. Cox, Drew, Gilley, Watzka, Cpls. Lyons, Koehler, and Lt. Cross plus many others. Any suggestions for locating will be greatly appreciated. Hopefully, John Reynolds of the 503rd may be able to help locate some of them."

Got a letter from Charlie Slover giving some info on the Corregidor Reunion of the Southwest Chapter held In Corpus Christi, Texas on Feb. 13-16. More on this next month. Got to save a little room to once again remind you of the 503rd PRCT annual reunion being held at RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA 9-12 July 1992. This year is the 50th anniversary of the 503rd Regiment — SO IF YOU HAVEN'T MADE PLANS TO BE THERE — THEN DO IT! 

May you always see a canopy above your head! Call or write.

John D. Reynolds
"D" Co. 503rd PRCT 
718 Towne Center Drive, Joppa, MD 21085 
PH (410) 679-8979
Static Line - Three Winds of Death

InThe503rd.org

503rd PRCT Paratrooper Database, WWII

503rd PIR * 462nd PFAB * 161st PEC
