Commo School,
Camp Mackall
The ability to send and receive Morse code as well as to deal with encryption
techniques would be crucial on the battlefield. |
Commo Field
Training, Camp Mackall
Pathfinder team sets up Eureka beacon (note unique antenna mast) in the piney
woods of North Carolina [L-R} Unknown, Unknown, Gerard Ruddy, Unknown.
(ca 1941-1942) |
Eureka Radio Beacon
set and its function was highly classified in those
days.
These sets and other equipment, including special lights, were carried by
Pathfinders who jumped even earlier than the main forces. |

Glider troops board glider for a training flight.
Although not men of the 508th, this type of training was also accomplished
at Camp Mackall.
|
A Glider
Under Tow lifts off. Another two pairs of tug and glider can be seen in
the distance over head.
|
C-46 aircraft such as this one were also used in training parachutists.
|
508th In Training and wearing the only
head protection available at that moment-... football helmets! George Ritchotte
is on the far left
(Photo courtesy Liz Farrell)
|

Early Light On The Flight Line
508ers head to aircraft for a practice jump at Mackall
(photo courtesy Tom Porcella) |