How does one put 50 years of an organization like the 508 into proper perspective? When Jim Smith asked me to do this I told him I was concerned, and I still am. That it wasn't possible to somehow wrap up all of our history in a small package. Typically, Smitty said "just do it Hank", so here goes. Bear with me as I hope to reawaken some memories of times past. 

This is roughly in three acts - 1. Organization; 2. Overseas and Combat; 3. Post War.

ACT I - ORGANIZATION

The order that got us going was dated October 20, 1942. It called for the organization of the 508th parachute infantry regiment at Camp Blanding, Florida. It consisted of a small cadre of officers and men who were qualified jumpers and then there were the rest of us. We came from many other units and the bulk of the regiment came from the induction and recruiting centers where everyone had volunteered for the parachute troops.

The 508th was one of the first regiments to be organized, take basic training, and then go through jump school as a unit. Prior to this time, everyone went through jump school as an individual and then was assigned to a unit. We received many of you directly from the induction centers with tags around your necks as we all started the 508th together.

We soon learned that not only were we to get basic training, we were also introduced to physical training and running in particular. A minimum of two hours a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Woe be to anyone who fell out on a run. Each unit had its own punishment - in "A" company it was to carry a large rag doll to training all the next day! In addition to our regular PT, we alfaso had Lt. Fleming to contend with.

He was in charge of PT for the regiment. He was also "Mr. Physical culture of Connecticut of 1939". Those of us who were there still remember his booming voice saying “you have to be in perfect physical condition to vault the walls of Berlin." "Now, grab your partner in the firemans carry and do 25 slow easy deep knee bends." the men were restricted to camp and were getting restless. It was then that colonel Lindquist made one of the few tactical errors in his career. He decided, or was persuaded, that because the men had performed so well in their basic training it would be a good idea to take them to Jacksonville in early December to do some "Christmas shopping". I put the words in quotes for, although colonel Lindquist may have had shopping in mind, that apparently wasn't what the men had in mind. Everyone was assigned to a certain bus # and seat #. Well, when we reached Jacksonville and opened the bus doors that was the last we saw of lots of men for a few days. However, to Colonel Lindquist’s everlasting credit - nothing was said or done. We just gathered in the men as we were able and got back to Blanding. It must be noted, however, that that was the last experiment of that kind.

We had a crab and lice infestation during our stay at Blanding and I want to tell the wives of the men of the 3rd platoon of "A" company