Paratrooper.be

Years ago, I added this magazine cover in the article about this subject. With a story about the 503rd PIR in training, this is one of the best period magazines on this topic for collectors.

Some readers had already come forward stating they know the paratrooper on the cover as PFC Robert Green. Apparently this is documented in the January 12, 1943 Edition of Look Magazine on page 62 where Mr. & Mrs. L.H. Green of Stephens, Ark sent in a picture and a thank you to the magazine which states “The Paratrooper on your Nov 3, 1942 Cover is our son, PFC Robert L. Green. Thank You for giving him this honor!”. Thank you Kenneth Peck for sharing this!

Check out the article with all paratrooper magazine covers

I came across this US model escape compass being offered on eBay as a reproduction. It looks like it’s really well made, so beware of these coming up for sale by other sellers later. The may be ‘mistaken’ for originals.

The seller even uses a photo from my website to compare his creation with an original, but he kindly agreed to quote me as the source.

Read the complete article on escape compasses

I recently picked up this badge that I had been searching for a long time. This silver device features a snarling hyena surmounting a crescent that bears the motto “J’y Suis, J’y Reste” “Here I am, Here I Remain”.

The reverse has removable clasp over 2 rings (like for beret attachment) and is inscribed in raised relief with DRAGO, PARIS, H 131.

The US paratroopers of the 509th PIR are allowed to wear this badge (usually on the right pocket) because on November 15th 1942 the 509th (then 2nd Btn 504th PIR) parachuted into Algeria to take control of the Youks Les bains airfield. The airfield was 200 miles from any US reinforcements and was defended by the French 3rd Zouaves Regiment which where dug in. No weapons where fired as the French commander walked forward and pinned his regiment badge onto the tunic of Lt. Colonel Edson Raff declaring themselves comrades.

This badge was the first foreign award that was allowed to be worn by US troops in WWII. In the book “First Airborne Taskforce”, there are many photos of paratroopers wearing this badge during the invasion of Southern France. As far as I can tell, my badge is a WWII-period badge, but if anyone has more information about it, I would love to learn more about it.