Jump Wings
worn by Roy Barger and recently acquired by Kim Fields who earlier
provided us with all the photos shown in the Barger Album. These
coveted parachutist devices were sometime called "snow cones" because of
their shape. We assume that the name was never used while a
parachutist was within earshot.
The top device shows the star for Barger's Normandy jump. He
was apparently taken prisoner during that campaign and sat out the war after
that..
The lower set of wings is that of a Master Parachutist, an
achievement that has some significant milestones, as follows:
Master Parachutist Badge
To be eligible for the Master Parachutist Badge, an individual must have
been rated excellent in character and efficiency and have met the following
requirements:
1. Participated in a minimum of 65 jumps to include twenty-five jumps with
combat equipment to consist of normal TOE equipment, including individual
weapon carried by the individual in combat whether the jump was in actual or
simulated combat. In cases of simulated combat the equipment will include
water rations (actual or dummy), ammunition (actual or dummy), and other
essential items necessary to sustain an individual in combat. Four night
jumps must also be made during the hours of darkness (regardless of the time
of day with respect to sunset) one of which will be as jumpmaster of a
stick. Five mass tactical jumps must be made which culminate in an airborne
assault problem with a unit equivalent to a battalion or larger; a separate
company/battery; or an organic staff of regimental size or larger. The
individual must fill a position commensurate with their rank or grade during
the problem.
2. Either graduated from the Jumpmaster
Course of the Airborne Department of the Infantry School or the Jumpmaster
School of a separate airborne battalion or larger airborne unit, or infantry
divisions and separate infantry brigades containing organic airborne
elements, to include the U.S. Army Alaska Jumpmaster Course, or served as
jumpmaster on one or more combat jumps or as jumpmaster on 33 non-combat
jumps.
3. Have served on jump status with an
airborne unit or other organization authorized parachutists for a total of
36 months (may be non-consecutive). |