AMERICAN PARATROOPERS

The image of paratroopers bring to mind masses of well-armed soldiers and their equipment dropping out of the sky from airplanes into enemy territory. American General Billy Mitchell had such a concept in mind when he submitted a proposal during the First World War in 1917 about the practicality of tactical paratrooper warfare. But, it would the Italian forces that would pioneer parachuting and the airborne soldier with the first combat jump in 1918 during the war.

The year 1927 would see a further demonstration of General Mitchell's concept at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. Six soldiers parachuted from a Martin Bomber, safely landed, and in less than three minutes after exiting the aircraft had their weapons assembled and were ready for action. No action was taken by the American military to further develop the concept of paratroops.

On the night of May 10th. 1940, the first airborne drop in World War II was made when at Arnhem in the Netherlands by a German paratroop assault. Interestingly, in 1944, Arnhem would once again be the target when the First Allied Airborne Army conducted the largest wartime paratrooper attack in history. The Battle of Arnhem ended in a defeat for the Allies. Never again has such a massive airborne operation been attempted.