509th Parachute Infantry Battalion

Jump School Graduation

jtstrauss — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:32:18 +0000

Congratulations to two 509 reenactors who recently graduated from jump school facilitated by the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team (ADT) in Frederick, OK. Joe (5th from left, standing) and Russ (2nd from right) each participated to the grueling 9-day jump training, including 5 jumps from a vintage C-47 . . .

2011 Recap

jtstrauss — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:04:19 +0000

Another great year for the 509th. Key events included Lowell, IN, a very wet Anzio event, Airventure in Osh Kosh, WI working with EAA Warbirds of America, and Midway Village’s WWII Days in Rockford, IL. However, the most impacting event was the loss of our friend and brother, Doug Holloway to his battle with cancer.

Images by Tom George Davison

jtstrauss — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:41:41 +0000

We came across these amazing photos from photographer Tom George Davison via his FaceBook page. These photos capture the faces of 509ers during a solemn memorial service for Doug Holloway and “Doc” a member of the 82nd Airborne, (UNIT NEEDED), during WWII Days at Midway Village.

We crossed paths again with Tom at Military History Fest 2012. He snapped this photo of Russ and Joe commemorating their recent completion of Jump School.

All Photographs: copyright Tom George Davison. Used by permission.

Arnold Greenwell Photography

jtstrauss — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:24:35 +0000

At Osh Kosh every year WWII reenactors have performed maneuvers right on the flight line during the Warbirds portion of the air shows. This year, the 509th had a “correspondent” ride along. Air Show/Air Racing photographer Arnold Greenwell joined us and captured these shots.

All Photographs: copyright Arnold Greenwell Photography. Used by permission.

Farewell Friend

jtstrauss — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 20:00:13 +0000

The 509th said goodbye to our friends and brother Doug Holaway after a courageous battle with cancer. Doug was known by many in the reenacting community as a fun, light-hearted, generous man, whose presence will be deeply missed for a long, long time. Doug was an avid WWII (509th PIB), Viet-Nam (5th Group Special Forces) Re-Enactor, and military collector. He was an honorary member of Viet-Now, a member of the World War Two Historical Reenactment Society, and a member of the EAA Warbirds of America. Doug was 52. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Debbie, and his entire family.

Godspeed Doug.

“On angels wings, I hit the ground.
My Father’s favor, I have found.
In thanks, St. Michael I do pray.
For God has helped me–ALL THE WAY.”

2010 Recap

jtstrauss — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:04:34 +0000

Events this year include the WWII Tribute at Lowell, IN, an new event at the Illinois Railway Museum highlighting Anzio, Itally, an amazing week at EAA Airventure, and WWII Days in Rockford, IL.

The Spirit of the Maroon Beret

jtstrauss — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:34:40 +0000

UPDATE: Sept. 2011
We had the opportunity to meet up with Will and his family again during this years Rockford event. The unit was able to present Will with an outfit closely resembling a WWII paratrooper uniform along with a 509 patch. We were happy to hear he had been pneumonia free from some time and it was great to see him growing stronger and full of spirit.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: “What’s with the beret? Are you British?” These are two very common questions regarding the 509th. The fact is the 509th was the first American unit to wear a beret. After arriving in England the battalion trained heavily with the British 1st Airborne Division, at one point smashing the Red Devil’s obstacle course records. In 1943, so impressed by accomplishments of the 509th, division commander General Frederick Browing granted honorary Red Devil membership and authorized the right to wear the British-style maroon beret.

The maroon beret has become a universal symbol of high distinction and is still worn by paratroopers today. It stands for the gut, grit, and the amazing fortitude that goes with being the best of the best.

Pictured with the 509 reenactors is Will. We got to know him during World War II Days in Rockford, IL in 2010. This shy 7-year old has quite the story! He has been in and out of hospitals his whole life, facing 45 bouts with Pneumonia, two stokes, and seizures. Three days after this picture was taken he will undergo his 20th surgery. At the age of three he overheard his physical therapist say he would never walk while other doctors thought he might not live past four. Proving both counts wrong he is getting stronger everyday, both physically and mentally, but tough roads still lie ahead.

That night, his mom tell us, he slept wearing his beret while holding a copy of the photo. He also wants to wear the beret during surgery. Will embodies the spirit of the 509th and the maroon beret. Always move forward and never give up. We are proud to honor the past generation and inspire the next. All the way Will!

Living Heritage

jtstrauss — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:16:56 +0000

The 509th was invited to Heritage Woods of Batavia, IL, and assisted living community to participate in their annual picnic, this year’s theme theme being World War Two. The community is home to many veterans, including WWII so it was a pleasure to talk with many vets and hear their stories. When handed an M1 Garand, one vet who saw action in France, Belgium, and Germany became very reminiscent saying, “Hello baby. I’ve missed you.” Helping round out the event were several vehicles and displays from the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL and music by The Legacy Girls, a trio bringing the music of the Andrews Sisters to life.

The 509th featured in Collinsville

jtstrauss — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:33:34 +0000

In 2008 the 509th was approached by filmmaker Jerry LaBuy to play a role in his movie Collinsville. ” I wanted to make a film in which a person gets a chance to actually do something about a very important “what if?” situation in their life. One from their childhood. One they could revisit and see how different it is when seen through their adult eyes,” stated the director/producer. “The production was a great success and we had a fantastic cast and crew that made it all happen.”

Watch the film HERE.

All images are property of Caledonia NIght Sky Co. Used by permission

2009 Recap

jtstrauss — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:04:50 +0000

A full year of events. Lowell, the EAA Air show at Osh Kosh, and beautiful weather and huge crowds at Rockford. Enjoy some photos from the year.