75th Anniversary of the “First Mass Parachute Drop” in US Army History

March 29th event will honor all WW II veterans and heroes of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (505th PIR), 82nd Airborne Division 

Camden, SC – On Thursday, March 29th, 2018, at 1430 hours (2:30 p.m.) everyone from around the region, state and nation is invited to attend the 75th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony recognizing one of the most significant training operations in U. S. Army history. According to Kershaw County Council Chairman Julian (JB) Burns, MG USA RETD, the anniversary of this historical event will be celebrated at the Memorial Monument on the grounds at INVISTA at 643 US Highway 1 in Lugoff. 

“The ‘First Mass Parachute Drop’ was conducted by the U.S. Army right here in Kershaw County,” said Burns. “And we will gather to honor this illustrious military feat that was so brilliantly executed by the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division 75 years ago. This Proof of Concept ultimately led to the mass landings at Normandy and victory in World War II. Kershaw County is proud to have played a role in the history of the famous 82 Airborne Division.”

Burns, who will preside over the memorial service, said guest speaker will be Col. Gregory Beaudoin, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.  Special entertainment will include the 82nd Airborne Division's All-American Chorus.

The 75th Anniversary ceremony is being organized by The American Legion, Post 17; WWII C-47 Club 82d Abn Div., The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post 5928; and The Marine Corps League, Detachment 1147. A lead event organizer, Major Theodore Podewil, USA (R), says there will be a variety of speakers and wreath laying ceremony honoring all those who participated including Troopers of the 505th, US Army Air Force (USAAF) personnel and those who lost their lives in the operation.

“In addition to recognizing all the World War II veterans attending the ceremony and all other veterans, we will feature a presentation by noted military historian and author Robert Anzuoni,” said Podewil.

The ceremony will take place Thursday, March 29 at 2:30 pm/1430 hours at the site of the 82d Airborne Division Monument in front of INVISTA at 643 Hwy. US 1 in Lugoff, SC.  The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Location

643 Hwy. US 1, in Lugoff, SC. (at INVISTA)

Fee or Admissions Info

FREE TO PUBLIC