My dad, Alfred L. Paul, was a member of the 509th. He went in as a replacement in North Africa (the first round of replacements, I believe). He was a member of the original Scout Company and he was one of the 41 troopers that took the radar station on the island of Ventotene when the rest of the unit was jumping into Salerno. This action was mentioned in John Steinbeck’s book, “Once There Was A War.” I have a copy of the Scout Company roster. He was also one of the troopers who was on Mount Croce above Venafro as mentioned in the first chapter of the book, “Captain Cool” His best friend Stanley Palaha (Palatka – sic), mentioned in the same book in an excerpt from Doc Alden’s diary as dying in the night, died in my dad’s arms. My dad was wounded in the leg a few days after the Anzio beach head landing. I believe that he then went to Pisa, Italy and packed parachutes for the OSS or someone who was flying night missions such as dropping counterfit lira behind the lines. He went on to retire from the army after 20 years and he passed away in 2002. A 509th PIB marker is at the foot of his grave. He said the 509th was the best unit, by far, that he served in. I am starting to collect airborne memorabilia. I have a M1-A1 folding stock carbine, a couple of M3 knives and a few other things. I was a sport jumper with 800 jumps (none recently) and my big thrill was to jump out of a Gooney Bird that was an original jump plane with the fold down aluminum seats. I am really into the history of the 509th.
Rick, do you have Ernest (or Earnest) Earl Corbin listed in your roster? I know Uncle Biddy was in N. Africa and in the 509th, but he never told us much about his experiences…..
God bless…..
Carolyn
Rick, you are lucky to have the stories. I am researching my Son’s grandfather’s history in 509th Daniel Henry Leffler and as he has passed away I am on my own. Some of his letters home and metals are in the museum for 82nd Airborne. Any tips on web sites or books would be appreciated.
The 509th Historical Reenactment Group strives to accurately present the history and culture of the World War II era airborne soldiers of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, through educational programs, living history events, and public ceremonies.
We are proud to be recognized as the official reeneactment unit of the 509th Assoication.
Please feel free to leave a comment here. If you know of someone who served with the 509th we’d love to hear from you.
My dad, Alfred L. Paul, was a member of the 509th. He went in as a replacement in North Africa (the first round of replacements, I believe). He was a member of the original Scout Company and he was one of the 41 troopers that took the radar station on the island of Ventotene when the rest of the unit was jumping into Salerno. This action was mentioned in John Steinbeck’s book, “Once There Was A War.” I have a copy of the Scout Company roster. He was also one of the troopers who was on Mount Croce above Venafro as mentioned in the first chapter of the book, “Captain Cool” His best friend Stanley Palaha (Palatka – sic), mentioned in the same book in an excerpt from Doc Alden’s diary as dying in the night, died in my dad’s arms. My dad was wounded in the leg a few days after the Anzio beach head landing. I believe that he then went to Pisa, Italy and packed parachutes for the OSS or someone who was flying night missions such as dropping counterfit lira behind the lines. He went on to retire from the army after 20 years and he passed away in 2002. A 509th PIB marker is at the foot of his grave. He said the 509th was the best unit, by far, that he served in. I am starting to collect airborne memorabilia. I have a M1-A1 folding stock carbine, a couple of M3 knives and a few other things. I was a sport jumper with 800 jumps (none recently) and my big thrill was to jump out of a Gooney Bird that was an original jump plane with the fold down aluminum seats. I am really into the history of the 509th.
Rick, do you have Ernest (or Earnest) Earl Corbin listed in your roster? I know Uncle Biddy was in N. Africa and in the 509th, but he never told us much about his experiences…..
God bless…..
Carolyn
Rick, you are lucky to have the stories. I am researching my Son’s grandfather’s history in 509th Daniel Henry Leffler and as he has passed away I am on my own. Some of his letters home and metals are in the museum for 82nd Airborne. Any tips on web sites or books would be appreciated.