Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Veterans

Showing Original Post only (View all)

douglas9

(4,918 posts)
Mon Jul 9, 2018, 07:42 AM Jul 2018

One Of The Few World War II Paratroopers To Make 4 Combat Jumps With The 82nd Airborne Has Died [View all]

Fewer than 3,000 paratroopers made four combat jumps with the 82nd Airborne Division in World War II.

Following the death of retired 1st Sgt. Harold Eatman, fewer than 16 of those paratroopers are alive today.

First Sgt. Eatman, 102, died Friday at his home in Matthews, near Charlotte, according to the 82nd Airborne Division. He jumped into Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, and Holland during the war, taking part in some of the most famous battles of the European theater.

A spokesman for the division said fewer than 2,800 paratroopers were involved in all four of those combat jumps.

“Harold Eatman was among the generation of All American paratroopers who defeated Nazism, liberated Europe, and inspired many generations of paratroopers to follow,” said Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division. “We always say that when you wear the Double A patch, you walk among legends. One of those legends has passed.”


https://taskandpurpose.com/82nd-airborne-paratrooper-eatman-death/

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»One Of The Few World War ...»Reply #0