Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. .2 lin. ft. (1/2 archival box)

Summary

1. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion Association Collection is comprised of newspaper articles, copies of letters recognizing the accomplishments of the 555th PIB, and photocopies of pictures and lists containing the names of those who served with the Triple Nickels of the Third Battalion. There are also commemorative programs for reunions held in 1998, minutes of a 1998 Executive Board meeting, a treasurer's report, and a list of active members of the Association.

Subject

1. United States > Armed Forces > African Americans
2. United States > Army > Parachute troops
3. United States > Army > Parachute Infantry Battalion, 555th
4. United States > Airborne troops
5. 555th Parachute Infantry Association
6. Armed Forces > Minorities
7. United States > Army > African American troops
8. Retired military personnel

Call number

1. Sc MG 687

Note

1. Photographs transferred to Photographs and Prints Division.
2. Audiotapes, videotapes and films transferred to Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division.
3. Books and magazines transferred to General Research and Reference Division.

Source (note)

1. Bruce Johnson

Biography (note)

1. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (PIB), formed in 1944, also known as the Triple Nickels and The Smoke Jumpers, received recognition throughout the armed forces because they were: the first African-American parachute unit to actually use parachutes in the military; the first to become smoke jumpers fighting forest fires; and the first African-American battalion to integrate the armed forces just months before President Truman officially directed the integration of the United States military. In addition, the Triple Nickels were participants in Operation Fire Fly, a mission to locate and dispose of balloon bombs dropped by the Japanese over parts of the Midwestern United States at the start of World War II.

Author

1. 555th Parachute Infantry Association.

Title

1. 555th Parachute Infantry Association collection, 1949-1998 (bulk 1998).

Biography

1. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (PIB), formed in 1944, also known as the Triple Nickels and The Smoke Jumpers, received recognition throughout the armed forces because they were: the first African-American parachute unit to actually use parachutes in the military; the first to become smoke jumpers fighting forest fires; and the first African-American battalion to integrate the armed forces just months before President Truman officially directed the integration of the United States military. In addition, the Triple Nickels were participants in Operation Fire Fly, a mission to locate and dispose of balloon bombs dropped by the Japanese over parts of the Midwestern United States at the start of World War II.

Connect to:

1. Finding Aid

Research call number

1. Sc MG 687