When the 508^th PIR men entrained to go to the Parachute School in Fort Benning, they were the most physically and mentally fit, and best trained men in the US Army. 

The First Battalion men made their first jump in February 1943 and by March 12, 1943; every man in the 508^th PIR was a parachutist.

The new parachutists proudly pinned on their cherished wings and left on furlough, their first days off since October 1942. 

Upon returning from furloughs the men of the 508^th PIR packed their equipment and moved to Camp Mackall, a newly constructed army camp hacked out of the North Carolina swamps. 

Mike Wargo’s experiences closely parallel the 508^th PIR history as presented in the early chapters of this album. He participated in all of the regiment’s training exercises, battles, and joyous and sorrowful times and helped to earn all of its honors and awards. For example:

·        He was present for the activation of the regiment at Camp Blanding

·        He parachuted into Normandy

·        He parachuted into Holland 

·        He fought through the deep snows and bitter cold of the densely forested Ardennes and penetrated the Siegfried Line fortifications

·        He served in the security forces and honor guard formations supporting General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany

 Mike Wargo earned:

·        Bronze Star Medal

·        Purple Heart Medal

·        Invasion Arrowhead

·        Combat Infantry Badge

·        Four Battle stars

·        Parachute Qualification badge with two stars for combat jumps (Normandy and Holland)

·        Presidential Unit Citation

·        French and Belgium Fourrageres

·        Orange Lanyard of the Royal Netherlands Army

·        Numerous defense medals including the Occupation Medal with Germany Bar