Concurrently, Jake mastered the skills necessary to function effectively in the Intelligence section, i.e., develop sand tables, sketches, and maps, lead patrols, and learn how to capture and interrogate prisoners. 

Finally, the carefully trained, confident and eager 508^th PIR paratroopers  were ready for overseas assignment, and the regiment moved to Camp Shanks, NY.

On December 28, 1943, Jake started drawing overseas pay when the “James Parker” sailed from New York into the Atlantic Ocean bound for Ireland.

Previously, on June 11, 1943, Jake married Elizabeth (Betsy) in Cheraw, SC.  Needless to say, the 508^th PIR’s ambitious training schedules and large-scale maneuvers, and now the ocean voyage did not permit Jake and Betsy  much of a family life.  

However, Betsy supported Jake’s activities and morale through WW II and for the remainder of their lives.

Very few Hq1 men were married. Many of the men had girlfriends waiting for the war to end, but Betsy was one of the sweethearts all ready married and patiently waiting for husbands to return. 

Eleven days after leaving, New York the “James Parker” arrived in Belfast, Ireland, and the 508^th PIR took up residence in Port Stewart. The regiment lived in uncomfortable, Quonset huts, tolerated dismal weather, and ate miserable food.

However, the 508^th PIR immediately embarked upon another ambitious training program (it never seemed to run out of them!) After weapons firing, physical training exercises to restore muscles that had deteriorated during the 11-day sea voyage, and small field exercises, the 508^th PIR moved to Nottingham, England.