Stand Up and Hook Up: Benning, Mackall, Bragg, Shanks: December 1942-September 1943 Summary and Analysis

Easy Company continued its road toward the coveted silver wings with parachute training at Fort Benning. The company was in such outstanding physical condition that its men embarrassed the lead sergeants during daily exercises. Easy Company was excused from the physical training portion of parachute training. After three weeks of parachute training, the men made their first jump from a C-47 airplane. When ordered, each soldier stood up and hooked his parachute line to an anchor line that ran down the plane's interior. The men were excited, rather than terrified of jumping. Ninety-four percent of the regiment completed the first jump, setting a military record. Men who completed five successful jumps received a certificate and silver wings, proclaiming the men certified...