Subscribe
On June 6, 1944, the 435th Troop Carrier Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces dropped paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division near Cherbourg, France, and towed Waco and Horsa gliders carrying reinforcements.
On June 7, 2026, 35 U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, direct descendants of 435 TCG, parachuted into Normandy to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
“As a jumpmaster, this jump and the history behind it is incredibly humbling,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Amanda Thompson, 435th Security Forces Squadron Contingency Response team member. “Every time we conduct airborne operations, we're focused on the safety of our jumpers and the successful execution of the mission, but standing here in Normandy puts that responsibility into a much greater historical perspective.”
Thompson noted significant similarities and differences between herself and her predecessors.
“The jumpmasters who loaded onto C-47s on D-Day carried the same responsibility to inspect their paratroopers, maintain discipline in the aircraft, and get their stick safely out the door,” she said. “But they did so knowing they were flying into enemy territory and that many of the men they were leading might not return. That's a weight that most of us today can hardly begin to comprehend.”
However, the most significant difference is the outcome of the mission.
“We are fortunate to return home to our families and loved ones after this jump, something many of the paratroopers who fought here never had the chance to do,” she said. “That perspective makes this experience incredibly meaningful and humbling.”
The road to paratrooping at Normandy is long.
First, qualifying as a parachutist requires a minimum of 12 jumps. Then, the members must attend a jumpmaster course where they are tested on reciting pre-jump commands, a nomenclature test, a 100-question test, and mastering aircraft safety procedures. Lastly, candidates must complete a Jumpmaster Personnel Inspection where the member inspects three jumpers and finds one to five deficiencies in less than five minutes.
“Completing the course is just the beginning,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Ocasio, 435th SFS Contingency Response team lead. “Being a jumpmaster is a constant learning experience.”
Both Ocasio and Thompson have been jumpmasters for around two years.
“Being a jumpmaster is a very humbling experience,” said Thompson. “People trust you with their lives, and you’re often the last person they see before they exit the aircraft. That responsibility requires you to hold yourself to a higher standard because your character, professionalism, and actions directly affect the confidence of the jumpers you’re leading.”
In addition to jumping out of airplanes, the 435th AGOW also stood in formation at several D-Day ceremonies across the Normandy region.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to attend ceremonies in Normandy,” said Ocasio. “Meeting veterans, speaking with families, visiting the memorial sites, and seeing people from around the world gather to remember those who served makes you appreciate the significance of what happened here.” “As time passes and fewer veterans remain with us, it becomes even more important to carry on their legacy and stories,” Ocasio added.
Paratrooping in Normandy also provides an opportunity for the 435th AGOW Airmen to connect with their fellow paratroopers.
“The Airborne community is a very strong one, and the history here connects all of us,” said Thompson.
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2026 09:06 |
| Story ID: | 567076 |
| Location: | FR |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 435th AGOW Airmen honor D-Day legacy, by Capt. Amber Kelly-Herard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
