D-1 Photos (2 of 2)

ON D-1 THE 508TH WAS POSITIONED AT RAF BASES IN SALTBY AND FOLKINGHAM
D-Day Minus-One Mass men of the 508th kneel at a Catholic service held at the airfield prior to take off. Note lumber on the ground to outline 'pews'		Mission Briefing Late in the day of June 5th, the mood in the Ready Room is somber as key officers are briefed on mission details.
Hot Java and Sinkers As men finish preparing for the mission, coffee and donuts are handed out to all.	Face Camouflage Unidentified 508ers eady to go	War Paint and tousled hair adorn these two warriors	General James Gavin checks his gear as the 82nd prepares to board their C-47s. (courtesy of Tony Rogers)
One More Tug Everyone helps by checking their buddies gear to ensure everything is in place and secured properly.	OK, Mount Up Finally, the word is received to board the aircraft, the mission is on.	Green Light Vigil a "stick" of 16 parachutists await the signal to "Stand up, Hook up! Stand at the door!"
Safe Ride? Pilot points to his snazzy nose art but the most telling paint appears on the fuselage over the engine. Icons stenciled there include two combat parachutist drops, supply drops, and three glider tows. This guy knows what he is doing! (Courtesy Tom Porcella)