Record #:

4653

Author(s):

O'Dell, Catherine

Abstract:

Dunn native William C. Lee is known as the \"Father of the Airborne.\" Having seen paratroopers in foreign countries, General Lee worked hard during the 1930s and 1940s to convince the U.S. military to develop a fighting paratrooper program. He was successful. On the night of June 5, 1944, 10,000 paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions parachuted into France at the start of the Normandy Invasion. General Lee was not among them, having suffered a heart attack in April, but as each trooper jumped, he shouted, \"Bill Lee!\"

Source:

Carolina Country (NoCar HD 9688 N8 C38x), Vol. 32 Issue 6, June 2000, p20-21, il, por

Subject(s):

Parachute troops; North Carolina--History--World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American; Lee, William C., 1895-1948; United States. Army. Airborne troops

Record #:

14776

Author(s):

Norris, Jeannie Faris

Abstract:

At Fairchild Field people gathered to watch the state's first war plane fly over, however they got more than advertised. A squadron of paratroopers led by Lt. J. P. Foley jumped from three planes and descended on the field. Following their landing, the troops proceeded to enact a battle scene, shooting blanks from machine guns and charging the hangars with fictitious hand grenades. The event showcased Burlington's new aviation manufacturing plant which just finished the plane Gunner, highlighted during this event.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 11 Issue 1, June 1943, p43-44, por

Subject(s):

Parachute troops