When I was stationed in Germany, 1999 with the 1-10th SF Group I had the honor and appointed task to take the lead as the primary jumpmaster to plan and organize for a tone setting commemoration airborne operation during that years June 6th D-Day memorial dedication for the Ranger Battalions. A newly erected monument was dedicated in Grande Camp Maisey. This operation was for the Ranger portion of events in conjuction with all the other memorial and festive activities in the Normandy area
June 5th, we flew from Stuttgart to Cherbourg, then bused to Grande Camp where we joined the original Ranger Veterans and Forces Francaiises l'intereur (male & females) for a banquet, moment of silence for the fallen and then hard drinking. I mainly remember speaking/drinking with 1SG Lomell and him introducing me to the other Ranger veterans and their families as they directly recounted thier personal experiences. A great and memorable time was had by all.
The next morning without sleep we bused back down to Cherbourg. I did the pilot-jumpmaster brief and prejump training. I put out about 6 passes of jumpers over the DZ that was about a few KM's from Point Du Hoc . Then I was the last one out the aircraft. Later there was also a commemortaion cliff climb by current members of the 2nd Ranger Bn I previously put out the aircraft.
Ironically I landed in an almost waist deep flooded area in the field. I had to cross a few dikes to get off the DZ and to the chute turn in point.
After the jump I declined a ride to walk a few spiritual miles of sacred ground into town along the coast road. The atmosphere was thick with battle focus realism; jeeps, halftracks with many reenactors everywhere. Once in town it was definately "Viva Le France/Amis" like it was just liberated.
The French are still very grateful. I could'nt even pay for my own food. Children and adults were collecting autographs.
It will always be an inspiring experience and memory.
The black granite memorial dedication ceremony took place in Grand Camp Maisey.
some of the pictures came out with water damage as you can see.
Picture# 1
Awaiting for the jump doors to open (facing camera). Note the jumpmaster safety controlling my static line and the Airforce Load Master.
1st Jumper in stick is hooked up on the left.
Picture#2
I'm riding the door conducting the jumpmaster outside air and safety checks before the green light.
June 5th, we flew from Stuttgart to Cherbourg, then bused to Grande Camp where we joined the original Ranger Veterans and Forces Francaiises l'intereur (male & females) for a banquet, moment of silence for the fallen and then hard drinking. I mainly remember speaking/drinking with 1SG Lomell and him introducing me to the other Ranger veterans and their families as they directly recounted thier personal experiences. A great and memorable time was had by all.
The next morning without sleep we bused back down to Cherbourg. I did the pilot-jumpmaster brief and prejump training. I put out about 6 passes of jumpers over the DZ that was about a few KM's from Point Du Hoc . Then I was the last one out the aircraft. Later there was also a commemortaion cliff climb by current members of the 2nd Ranger Bn I previously put out the aircraft.
Ironically I landed in an almost waist deep flooded area in the field. I had to cross a few dikes to get off the DZ and to the chute turn in point.
After the jump I declined a ride to walk a few spiritual miles of sacred ground into town along the coast road. The atmosphere was thick with battle focus realism; jeeps, halftracks with many reenactors everywhere. Once in town it was definately "Viva Le France/Amis" like it was just liberated.
The French are still very grateful. I could'nt even pay for my own food. Children and adults were collecting autographs.
It will always be an inspiring experience and memory.
The black granite memorial dedication ceremony took place in Grand Camp Maisey.
some of the pictures came out with water damage as you can see.
Picture# 1
Awaiting for the jump doors to open (facing camera). Note the jumpmaster safety controlling my static line and the Airforce Load Master.
1st Jumper in stick is hooked up on the left.
Picture#2
I'm riding the door conducting the jumpmaster outside air and safety checks before the green light.
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