Commemorating the 555th Infantry Battalion Paratroopers June 3, 2017 in Cave Junction

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Triple Nickles

The 555th was a segregated, African-American paratroop unit established during World War II. They were the first African-Americans in American military history to be given an opportunity to work as airborne soldiers.

The 555th was assigned to work in Oregon as part of a secret mission (Operation Firefly) during the Japanese balloon bomb attack of 1944-1945. This attack involved the release of 9,000 balloons from Japan, each carrying 4-5 incendiary bombs designed to start forest fires in the United States.

The 555th represents a significant story in the history of Oregon, Forest Service, the military, World War II, home front defense, aerial firefighting (smokejumping), and civil rights. Surviving members of the 555th are expected along with the Governor are expected to attend along with other dignitaries.

The event will be promoted to attract youth and represents and opportunity for CAP to interest south Oregon youth in the CAP program.

555 Commemoration June 3, 2017

This is an advance notification that the Governor will be invited to speak at the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion commemoration on June 3, 2017. This is Oregon’s opportunity to recognize the role of the 555th in home front defense of this state during WWII.

This is an invitation for the Civil Air Patrol to participate in the 555th dedication event at Illinois Valley Airport (3S4) on June 3, 2017. The Civil Air Patrol and 555th story share a common thread in both being established during WWII and both being involved in home front defense during a time of conflict.

Gwen Carr of Oregon Black Pioneers will provide remarks during the ceremony.

Roger Brandt is Chair of the Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (501c3) and event coordinator
541 592-4316

rpbrandt@frontier.com

June 3, 2017

Siskiyou Smokejumper Museum
Illinois Valley Airport (3S4)
Cave Junction, Oregon
www.highway199.org

Radio Special on Malvin Brown and the 555th

This just in: Radio special on WWII African-American paratroopers in Oregon.

An African-American paratrooper from the segregated 555th Parachute Infantry became the first smoke jumper death in American history when he died during an airborne operation about 45 miles north of Crater Lake National Park.
A radio program on May 23 from 8:30-9:00am  featured a discussion with the people who uncovered this lost home front defense story of World War II.
The program was broadcast locally at various stations from Redding, California to Eugene, Oregon. For a list of the archives, visit www.jeffersonexchange.org  for a list of station.
Ask questions by calling 800-838-3760 or email jx@jeffnet.org
The 555th Dedication Event will commemorate the Malvin Brown story and the 555th Parachute Infantry on June 3 at the Siskiyou Smokejumper Museum in southwest Oregon. www.highway199.org

OTE newsletter features historical marker program for Triple Nickles

Pick up a copy of Deep Roots for  a wonderful indepth article on the Historical Marker Program honoring the Triple Nickles.  Oregon Travel Experience’s newsletter Deep Roots (Volume 7, April 2017) has a wonderful 3 page spread with lots of photos and the backstory: “Traces of Smoke and Valor-Groves and Pines”