Rick Badie / My Opinion

By J

November 10, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

I think this is great. I never heard of the Triple Nickles before. My husband is currently a paratrooper. Thank you for the history lesson.

By T

November 12, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this

Rick, I dug this information up a couple years ago. In keeping with your theme of black military personel in WWII. I thought you might be interested in George Watson. I found his story very moving.

Private George Watson an African American from Birmingham Alabama, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism. On March 8, 1943 Private Watson was on board a ship which was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. When the ship was abandoned, Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in the water assisting several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of a life raft. He was credited with saving the lives of several of his comrades. Weakened by his exertions, he was dragged down by the suction of the sinking ship.

What greater love can there be that a man would lay down his life for others …

By CTU Director

November 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Rick, awesome story.

Thanks for sharing it with everyone.

Paratroopers set themselves apart from others, they ventured into unknmown territory with a new type of weapon….parachutes.

Can you imagine the guts it would take to be the first men in the US Army to parachute?

We have developed technology to make it safer…but back then it was all new to the US Army.

What real men they were.

By John Williams

November 12, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Rick, No conspiracy here. I have read extensively about WWII and served in the 82nd as an Airborne Infantryman for four years. The 555th is mentioned in a lot of the books that I have read, perhaps it is just that no-one in the media has chosen to bring it up or noticed it before. The original members of the test platoon don’t get all the credit, take a look at a book titled “Four Stars Of Valor” detailing the regimental history of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment in WWII (my regimental affiliation is with the 508th which became the 505th at Fort Bragg in 1987.) During my tenure in the Army, this is the one place where I can truly say that “Race” was not a factor. I served proudly under great men such as SSG George Gibson and CSM Charles Cady. These men and literally thousands of others are Americans first serving proudly so that we can sleep on their watch. Thanks to all veterans, not just the unique. The cooks, mechanics, nurses, dentists, paratroopers, all are extrordinary in the eyes of their mothers and fathers, spouses and children, siblings and fellow Americans. You don’t have to be a paratrooper, or special forces to serve your country or to give the ultimate, you just have to volunteer (in today’s military,) paratroopers were true volunteers in their day during WWII.

By LilburnDazed

November 12, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

I agree with you CTU - but unfortunately, Badie isn’t really impressed with those men - he’s only impressed with the first BLACK men to jump. What a shame, especially today.

By b.sample

November 12, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Pfc.milton l.olive III was the first afro american paratrooper to receive the M.O.H.in The Republic of Vietnam.Friday 10/22/65.U.S Army Company B,2nd battalion(Airborne)503rd Infantry,173rd Airborne Brigade.(The Herd)”Sky Soldier”Airborne All The Way And Then Some”.11th SFG.’Airborne”

By kat

November 12, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

yes. my ten year old son read an article and saw a pbs documentary about the them in september.

By Reginald Morris

November 12, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

One of my best friends here in Las Vegas is one of the 555th his name is Frank Barbee you can Google his name for more information. He is always willing to speak or share his experiences. He’s 86 now.

By B.Sample

November 12, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

mr.john williams The Triple Nickles was deactivated in December 1947 and was redesignated as the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Div.Members of the original”Triple Nickles” went into combat during the Korean War joining such other airborne units as The 2ND Ranger Co.and the 187th abn.Combat Team.Mr Williams it’s not a matter of race it’s a matter of telling the truth about afro-americans in the military and what role they play,other than cooks and ammo bearers.History tells us about the invasion of Normandy and do you know about “Operation Market Garden”.It tells you all about the heroic deeds of the 101stAbn and the 82nd Airborne.Read the book “The Triple Nickles” then tell me why the word nickles is spelled incorrectly.”Airborne”

By Nolan School

November 12, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

The Triple Nickles story needs to be told in large, bold writing and read as part of the story of how the US came slowly to its senses in matters of the value of a man. I have met members of this unit across the years and my admiration is complete, simple honor for these good men. This is coming from a Marine (there being no former Marines) so you know it represents more than just a military man’s interest in a unit. The role of the “Americans of Color” in our country’s success over the years has NOT been celebrated in it’s truest context.

I built my first relationships with the “Brothers” as they were called in my time and came to regard them as true Brothers without making that distinction as to race, color, creed. The more I learn about the history of the Black American in our military history makes me realize that the Brother is more than just a figure of speech or honorary title. We are, and should be, regarded as the same. Brothers.

By Mark

November 12, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

LilburnDazed

I totally agree with you. I was thinking the same thing as I read his article. Racism is alive and well in Gwinnett county.

By Airborne

November 12, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

To Mark and LilburnDazed.It’individuals like yourselves that want to play the “rasicm” game.Mr.Badies story is not about racism,but about history untold.more people should have inquisitive minds instead of negative thoughts about others.Wake up join the world of knowledge,you may find something in your history that was never told.the Triple Nickles was the reason i became a trooper,something you both probably don’t know about,and if racism is alive it’probably because of individuals like yourselves.”De Oppresso Liber” for the those that know.Airborne All The Way.

By Airborne

November 12, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Mr.Nolan,thank you for your response about “The Triple Nickles”.My job is to let it be known what part Afro-Americans played in every war this country has been involved in.It’s not just about the Triple Nickles,it’s also about the Montford Point Marines,the 761st Tank Btn.The Red Ball Express,the 9th and 10th cav.(Buffalo Soldiers)How many people know that there where 20 Afro-American Medal of Honor winners in The Republic of Viet Nam from 1964-1973,20 Afro-American Buffalo Soldiers rcvd the Medal of Honor,5 during the Civil War at Chapins Farm VA.in which my great-great-grandfather was a part of until he was wounded,5 Medal of Honor winners at San Juan Hill,7 from World War 11,and one who rcvd his from Pres.Clinton.Mr.Larry Rivers.Who knows Pompey Factor an Afro-American Seminole rcvd the Medal of Honor in 1875.The first Afro-Americans to be awarded The Croix de Guerre,France s highest decoration for bravery during WW1 was Sgt.Henry Johnson and Private Needham Roberts,an astounding 171 Afro-Americans were awarded the French Legion of Honor.I have a personel autographed picture of Mr.Clarence Sasser and the citation regarding his Medal of Honor from Viet Nam.If movies and stories can be told about Audie Murphy,and the story of Black Hawk Down in which two Airborne Rangers were awarded the Medal of Honor,then way can’t,one be made about Mr.Sasser or Milton L.Olive lll the first Afro-American Paratrooper to rcv the Medal of Honor in Viet Nam.”Airborne”and to you Semper Fi my son is a Marine.

By John Williams

November 13, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

B.Sample You have missed my point all together. The military is light years in front of our society for racial equality. You feel a need to distinguish the “Black Paratroopers” and my point is that on “Veterans Day,” not “Black Veterans Day,” we should be honoring all service members as a whole. As I said before, there is no conspiracy here to hide the fact that there were African Americans or “Americans” as I like to call them serving in our military all the way back to the revolution. If your point is to remind us so that history never repeats itself, you would have to be crazy to believe that would be possible. If your point is that there wasn’t enough recognition, go back to the 1990’s and look at the total review of all awards for valor for minorities that was done. This is probably the ONLY noble thing that Bill Clinton did during his terms. Hundreds of awards were upgraded, many including the “Medal Of Honor.” You are correct when you say that recognition wasn’t given then, but it has been rectified now, and my point was also missed when I named SSG Gibson and CSM Cady. Both are black men that I served with proudly and would have given my life to defend in battle. Can you say the same for yourself and a white man?

By Airborne

November 13, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

To J.i’m glad you read the article,i hope more people like yourself wl continue to show an interest in the history of Afro-American Paratroopers.inform your husband that we are seeking members.We have a Triple Nickles chapter in Atlanta.If he wants to become a member i can be contacted through Mr.R.Badie at the AJC.”Airborne”

By Bsample-Airborne

November 13, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Mr.Williams,i think you missed my point,you said that you served proudly with SSG.Gibson and CSM.Cady and would be willing to gv your life in battle for them,well thats fine,because that’s what paratroopers are train to do.Im impressed to see that they both are Afro-Americans,what you fail to see is the fact that if it was’nt for the hardship and the fact that during WWII Airborne units were considered elite units for whites only.16 Afro-Americans thought otherwise,and if it was’nt for those 16 brave men during that time,Afro-Americans would probably be just now allowed to become a part of an elite group.since you seem to be a paratrooper,did you know the 555th Abn. was the largest Afro-American unit at Fort Bragg,and yes i did have a First Sgt.who i would have fought back to back with in combat and any where else.His name is Alvin House and he was with the 187th Abn.Combat Team.First Sgt House was killed in Viet Nam in 1967.Yes i learned a lot from him and so did the other troopers that served under him.The true meaning of “Lead By Example” was meant for 1stSgt.House.Oh,and by the way he was white and i take the time to visit the “The Wall” in Washington D.C.every other year and lay a wreath by his name.When was the last time you visited “The Wall”.You seem to think everything is a conspiracy on hidden truths,let me ask you a question.have you ever heard of “The Montford Point Marines”? The 761st Tank Btn.The Red Ball Express,those soldiers and Marines were’nt paratroopers,and since you want to bring up history,did Audie Murphy wait 30 or 40 years to get the MOH?Don’t blame Bill Clinton,he just picked up were history dropped off in recognition of minorities in combat.You see im a veteran of the sixties thru the eighties and i’ve seen a lot in the military.Sure some changes have been made but you have to look below the surface to see the truth.Im not trying to make this a racial issue,just trying to open eyes to reality.I’m a “Trooper” to the death and wl stand by what i say.

By Airborne

November 13, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

hi,kat glad to know that your 10 yr old saw the documentry about “The Triple Nickles”.hopefully one day he will grow to be an outstanding “Trooper”.Thanks for the reply.”Airborne”

By Airborne

November 13, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Mr.Williams there is a few more things i would like to say.On Jan.8,1968 my former btn commander Major Patrick H Brady demonstrated conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty,and was awarded the MOH.I served under Major Brady at Fort Campbell with the 326th Medevac.in 1975-76.Major Brady was inducted into the “DUSTOFF HALL of FAME on 17,Feb 2001.he retired as a Major General.I was very proud to have served as one of his soldiers.Yes he was white,but it did’nt make a differance to me,because we all fought under the same flag and wore the same uniform.So you see it’s not racial you bought it up not me.By the way do you know who “The Golden Thirteen” is?im still waiting for an answer as to why the word “Nickles” is spelled the way it is since you’read a little about the “Triple Nickles”.ask CSM.Cady or SSG.Gibson since you’ll put your life on the line for them.It’s nothing personal,it’s history untold.”Airborne”

By Airborne

November 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Hi mr.morris,in response to mr.frank barbee,god bless him.It’s not many “Old School Troopers” like mr.barbee around.I’m a member of the “Triple Nickles” Assn.and would love to hear what mr.barbee has to say.i’m 62 years old and i know i can get a history lesson from hi.I served in the army from 1964-1966,joined the 11th Special Forces Grp(reserves) from 1972-1974 then went back on active duty from 75-84,only this time i went into aviation.Im still a “Trooper”and that wl never be taken away from me.”Airborne All The Way and Then Some”.reach me at taylor-st@hotmail.com

By B.Sample

November 13, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

goor morning mrs.watson,have you begun your research on your uncle?

By John Williams

November 13, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Respectfully, Please read my posts carefully, I am giving credit to Clinton for righting a wrong! I also said, there is no conspiracy here. The spelling comes from the original word for the five-cent buffalo coin, which also was the symbol for the 92nd Infantry Division.

Historians write the history of our century and reporters write (and get it wrong) about the immediate. The historians are writing about the 555th.

From - http://hometown.aol.com/shahwk2/The555Airborne.html

The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion America’s First All African American Parachute Unit

In the winter of 1943-1944 twenty young African American enlisted men were ordered to Fort Benning, Georgia to train as parachutists. These young men were pioneers because, never before in the segregated military system then prevalent, were “Coloreds” considered intelligent enough to serve in combat units of any type and certainly not capable of being paratroopers.

Of these twenty young men, seventeen made up the test platoon, they were Walter Morris, Jack C. Tillus, Leo D. Reed, Hubert Bridges, Alvin Moon, Ned D. Best, Rodger S. Walden, Mc Kindley Godfrey Jr., Elijah Wesby, Samuel W. Robinson, Calvin R. Beal, Robert F. Green, Lonnie M. Duke, Clarence H. Beavers and James F. Kornegay.

In early 1944 sixteen of these young men completed requisite training, in spite of being subjected to treatment designed to make them failm, and were awarded the siver wings of qualified parachutists. Shortly thereafter an additional tropper, having being delayed by a family emergency was awarded the coveted parachutist badge. Then came six officers: Jasper Ross, Cliford Allen, Bradley Biggs, Edwin H. Willis, Warren C. Cornelius and Edward Baker. These men went on to form the cadre for the 555th Parachute Infantry Company at Camp Mc Kall, North Carolina.

Now that the gates were open, a vertable flood of young black men volunteered for parachute training, causing the rapid evolvement of seventeen enlisted men and six officers into he 555th Parachute Infantry Company and 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, which was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On a cold day in December, 1947, teary eyed members of the “Triple Nickles” Battalion stood in mass formation as this proud, one of a kind battalion was deactivated and reactivated as the 3rd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division……..thus becoming the first black unit in history to become part of an American combat division. This historic milestone was presided over by Major General James M. “Slim Jim” Gavin, a much admired and respected World War ll Commander.General Gaven because of his effort in bringing the “Triple Nickles” into the mainstream, will always be revered by members of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association.

The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion subsequently provided personnel for the formation of the 503rd Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion and the 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion. These three battalions then provided personnel for the 2nd Airborne Ranger Company which became the first black unit in history to make a combat jump in Korea while attached to the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. Also, who was to know that one day a Black Paratrooper would command the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division, some 33 years after the formation of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. A Black Officer, Major General Roscoe Robinson became Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division………the most sought after command in the United States Army.General Robinson was a private in the US Army at the birth of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion.

The story of the “Triple Nickles” is a newly told chapter in military and black social history. Without a doubt, the courage and competency of the black memembers herein mentioned paved the way for the integrated military and civilian societies that all Americans enjoy today. The 555th Parachute Infantry Association was formed as a vehicle designed to pay homage to those brave troopers who have preceded us and to maintain their memory by doing good works for the society in which they live.

By Airborne

November 14, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

Mr Williams it seems like we’re getting closer to being on the same page.Remember,paratroopers don’t bicker amongst themselves,we take the battle to those that deserve to know the truth and to be free,another reason why the word Nickles is spell the way it is,they wanted to be different.Did’nt you read that part.read deep when you do research on “The Triple Nickles”

By B.Sample(Airborne)

November 15, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Mr.Williams read the entry from The 555th Airborne.html.How much of that history did you know?You see how long it took for an Afro-American to take command of the 82nd Airborne.Were you aware of that,since you’ve read the history of the Triple Nickles?I have met Lt.Col Bradley Biggs and did a radio interview with him on Aug.2000.Ialso have an autographed copy of his book,America’s First All-Black Paratroop Unit-“The Triple Nickles”.Did you know that Lt.Gen.James M.Gavin open the doors for the Triple Nickles to be a part of the elite Airborne,and by the way in case you don’t know he is white.So you see,this is not about conspiracy,it’s about Afro-American firsts,just like American history wants the world to know they were the first to set foot on the moon.Everyone on this planet should know about their history,that way we can all live in peace and harmony and can share our past without racism and conspiracies.”Airborne”

By John Williams

November 15, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

We were on the same sheet of music to begin with! My comments centered on the fact that it was VETERAN’s DAY, not “Triple Nickles” day. Please understand I know that ANYONE who made it in the paratroopers in that day, was an extraordinary person. The selection process to form the 505th went through over 6000 troopers before the TO & E was fulfilled.

Yes I did know who General Gavin was. Did you happen to read my post that said I had read extensively on WWII and had actually served in the 82nd for 4 years? You can’t make it through your first inspection if you don’t know about the unit’s heritage. By the way The 82nd recreated “Operation Market Garden” every October that I was there, so I would have to be an idiot not to know about that. I know I am just a young whipper-snapper but I do have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for the greatest generation.

By B.Sample(Airborne)

November 16, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

ok john,you’re on the money.I can see that you’ve done your homework.We have a 555th Airborne Chapter here in Atlanta and it’s open to all “troopers” regardless of race.Since your “knees hit the breeze” that qualifies you to join,bring your knowledge of the “Triple Nickles to one of our meetings.Do you belong to the 82nd Airborne Assn?this is my e-mail address, taylor-st@hotmail.com.If you want an application to become a member contact me.Just wanted to make sure any one who responded to the article was not a “P.X. trooper and know the history of the “Triple Nickles”.Welcome to the “chalk,”if you decide to jump with us.It’s not a matter of you being a young whippersnapper,you’re a trooper and that’s what counts.”Airborne All The Way” And Then Some”

By B.Sample(Airborne)

November 16, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

john you can also contact the pres of the Triple Nickles at,pres555atlchapt@yahoo.com for further membership info.