Last week while Bob, Chris and I were cleaning out the garage, we came upon a surprise. In an old bird seed bag was one of the few souvenirs Dad had from his active service days. We believe it is a D-Day-era parachute but we don't know its history.


It's dated 1944 and manufactured by the Irving Air Chute Company, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky. They were the original suppliers of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. The control lines have all been removed at about 24 inches below the canopy suggesting this was a used or rejected unit made unusable for further service.

I received a simple postcard today from Arlington Cemetery stating that the headstone has been installed. It was postmarked August 23rd. I suppose this is the last penny postcard Dad (and Mom) will receive. It will be made a permanent part of their extensive collection.