June 5, 2014

Screaming Eagle at 93: Pee Wee Martin of the 101st Airborne

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70 years later, D-Day vet Jim 'Pee Wee' Martin jumps again: Martin was part of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division that parachuted down over Utah Beach in their bid to retake France and, eventually, the rest of Europe from Nazi Germany. They actually touched down in enemy-controlled territory a night before what's referred to as D-Day. His jump Thursday in the same area was different and -- despite his being 93 years old now -- a whole lot easier.
"It didn't (compare)," Martin said, "because there wasn't anybody shooting at me today."

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Type: Airborne
Role: Air assault Infantry
Size: Division
HQ Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Nickname "Screaming Eagles" (special designation)
Motto "Rendezvous With Destiny"
Mascot Bald Eagle a.k.a. "Old Abe"

Posted by gerardvanderleun at June 5, 2014 11:29 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

Don't turn your back on Obama...

Posted by: Vermont Woodchuck at June 6, 2014 7:44 AM

Went in with the 82nd and got out with the 101st.
At the time the 101st was the only unit to wear colors on their field uniforms – they want the enemy to know how they are.

Posted by: ghostsniper at June 6, 2014 10:17 AM

I met another Private Ryan (that's really his name) who was there. Fascinating.

Posted by: StephenB at June 6, 2014 10:54 AM

Our President is not worthy enough to lick the dog crap off of this man's shoe.

Yeah, I'm bitter. January 2017. I hope our nation can survive.

Posted by: Dave at June 6, 2014 9:39 PM

In a cage fight between Sgt. Martin and five Pajama Boys, my money is on Sgt. Martin, even at age 93.

Posted by: waltj at June 7, 2014 1:10 AM

“In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.”

― Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

I knew these men. They were the Cops on the corner, the one-armed teacher in the classroom and the drunk under the bridge with haunted eyes. Then I didn't understand. Today and dimly I think I do.

Thank You.

Posted by: On the North River at June 8, 2014 10:14 PM