Mac received basic infantry training and concurrently completed the first phase of parachutist training. The latter consisted of miles of running, hand-to-hand fighting; thousands of pushups and the many unique ways created by a cadre of qualified parachutists to physically strengthen the recruit’s resolve to become parachutists.

The Hq1 recruits prevailed and went to the parachute school, made their five jumps with parachutes that they had meticulously packed, and proudly pinned on the coveted parachute wings.

After a short furlough, Mac’s first days off since October 1942, he moved with the 508^th PIR to Camp Mackall, NC.  

Mac says. “At Camp Mackall, we had advanced infantry training, and learned more about parachute jumping and airborne operations. We also learned a new skill that the Sergeants called “beautification of the area.” Just plain pick and shovel work, grass cutting, picking up trash, etc. We applied this skill several times in Europe when we occupied tent camps in Nottingham, England and Sissonne, France.  

After large-scale maneuvers in Tennessee, and another short pass, we packed up and moved from Camp Mackall to Camp Shanks, NY.

On December 28, 1943, we boarded the James Parker and sailed to Belfast, Ireland. 

In Belfast, we had several weeks of weapons qualification and training, a lot of marching, and some field exercises. Then the regiment moved to Nottingham, England and occupied tents  in a King’s Deer Park.

I did not meet any of Robin Hood’s descendents but my comrades told me that there were many of Maid Marion’s decadents in Nottingham - a wonderful city within walking distance of our camp. 

Following several months of arduous training including two night parachute jumps and field exercises, we boarded trucks and moved to the Folkingham Air Base.

After many briefings, equipment inspections, and farewells to comrades, we boarded C-47s and were told we would drop into Normandy, France, a few hours before the sea borne assault forces landed. 

On July 12, 1944, I moved with the 508^th PIR survivors to Utah Beach where after a short delay we boarded LST’s,  and sailed to England. We were given a hero's welcome in Nottingham and mourned those that we had left in France.