511th Parachute Infantry Regiment 11th Airborne

**Thaddeus** · 01-11-2015, 02:26 AM

Hello Everyone,

Recently I commissioned in the United States Army as an Intelligence Officer (Insert oxymoron jokes now). My first salute was to my grandfather who was a Staff Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War era. When I was younger I always enjoyed listening to his stories about jumping out of planes and getting in trouble with his buddies. He was in the 11th Airborne Division. He was a rigger in the 511th Infantry Regiment and was one of the first four soldiers to test the T10 parachute that the Army still uses to this day. After he got out of the Army he eventually retired in the North Georgia mountains. There he made a friend who was also in the 11th Airborne during the same time period but he served in the 187th Infantry Regiment. I wanted to get my grandfather something special for doing my first salute but I could not figure out what. As I was scrolling through the internet one day I saw a link to a website. Always the one to look for a new purchase for my collection, I looked on the website and scrolled down. When I saw this helmet my heart nearly stopped. She is by no means pretty. The helmet and liner are in pretty rough shape - see the pictures below - but on the side of the liner was the insignia from the 11th Airborne with the Unit Insignia from the 511th Infantry Regiment on the other side! I knew that I had to get it for my pops. I ordered it and got it the day after Christmas. When it was finally time to give it to him, I was excited. I asked him to come out to my car where I had it waiting. When I pulled it out and showed it to him, his eyes lit up and he said 'Oh Boy!' I took the liner out and showed him the side where the 11th Airborne Insignia was and his eyes started to tear up. He was so appreciative and kept talking about his time in the Army. He told me that he couldn't wait to show his friend. I was not there to see his friends reaction but my grandfather told me it was the same as his. I am so thankful for these men for giving up time of their youth for our nation. I am also glad to have a grandfather who pushed me towards joining the Army. It has been the best decision of my life so far!

I also want to apologize for the pictures being sideways. My computer did that when I uploaded them.

Thaddeus

511th Parachute Infantry Regiment 11th Airborne

**SteveR** · 01-11-2015, 02:41 AM

That is neat buddy.

**AZPhil** · 01-11-2015, 02:45 AM

Great Job Thaddeus. You know you made his day.
Congrats on your commission and thank you for your service!!!

Semper Fi
Phil

**Thaddeus** · 01-11-2015, 02:53 AM

Thanks Phil! I found out about a week ago that I will be in the 101st Airborne! I am very excited about my future!

Thaddeus

**MAP** · 01-11-2015, 03:02 AM

Awesome

**Thaddeus** · 01-11-2015, 05:11 AM

Thank you MAP!

**Opex** · 01-11-2015, 11:03 AM

What an amazing gesture and gift to your grandfather, I am genuinely touched by this story, and can I say this post is a breathe of fresh air, good on you fella and good luck with your future in the services

**MAP** · 01-11-2015, 03:41 PM

by Thaddeus

Thank you MAP!

No thanks to me needed. That was the one word that came to my mind. Oft overused by people but 100% appropriate here.

I think most members on this forum, given their love of history and appreciation of the service and sacrifices made by any generation of soldiers would love to do the same given the opportunity.

Thanks

Michael

**ruddersrangers44** · 01-11-2015, 05:44 PM

Awesome thing to too do for a loved one,so well done and glad you purchased it when you first clapped eyes on it,it has the Refit jump into Japan liner,which technically were done during ww2 but never saw service until after VJ day and continued up to 1950.great iconic Airborne Helmet..............