Home
What's New
Search Engine
Archives
Odyssey
Photo Gallery
Unit History
Unit Honors
TAPS
Voices Of Past
F&F Association
How To Submit

Back Up Next

After the regiment completed basic training at Camp Blanding near Starke, Florida, it was relocated to Fort Benning, GA on February 5, 1943.  Basic airborne training commenced immediately.  Those who endured the rigors of training and successfully completed five jumps "from an aircraft in flight' earned the right to pin on the coveted parachutists wings.
Once the regiment successfully completed this phase of its training it was then relocated to Camp Mackall, NC.
Fort Benning Today

Fort Benning is located in central Georgia, six miles southeast of Columbus and near the Chattahoochee River which forms the border between Georgia and Alabama. Phenix City, Alabama is directly across the river.

The Post consists of approximately 182,000 acres of river valley terraces and rolling terrain. The moderate climate and various terrain are well suited for Infantry training and support missions.

Phenix City, Alabama is located on the western banks of the Chattahoochee River and, along with Columbus and Fort Benning, forms what is commonly called the tri-city community.   These areas are so closely knit that the eastern time zone, which normally is drawn down the middle of the Chattahoochee River is diverted west of Phenix City so that the tri-cities can operate on the same clock.

150 Foot Tower
provided parachutist trainees with a real feel for descent under a canopy.  Initial drops are made under control wire guidance but then progress to freefall.

Tower Nemeses
both the 34-foot tower (at left) and the 150 footer served not only to train but to eliminate those few who could not overcome fear

(All photos courtesy Heimer Swanson)

Look Out Below!
a trainee nears the top of the 150 foot tower where the cable system will automatically release his chute for descent
OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS:

Copyright and all other rights reserved by the Family and Friends of The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association or by those who are otherwise cited,
For problems or questions regarding this web site, please contact
Jumpmaster.