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)
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