The Art of Manliness The Heroic Exploits of WWII’s Pacific Paratroopers
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May 24, 2023 James Fenelon, a former paratrooper and author of Angels Against the Sun, shares the gripping story of the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific during WWII. He reveals the division’s intense training at Fort Benning and their harrowing missions, including daring drops from flimsy planes. Fenelon discusses their adaptation to jungle warfare and notable battles, such as the fierce combat on Leyte. The conversation also uncovers their surprising link to The Twilight Zone and the timeless lessons of resilience and camaraderie that resonate today.
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Fenelon's Paratrooper Path
- James Fenelon's interest in history and his uncle's paratrooper stories led him to enlist.
- He served in long-range surveillance units, similar to LERPs, conducting small airborne operations.
Pacific vs. European Airborne Operations
- The Pacific theater differed vastly from Europe, with immense ocean stretches and limited resources.
- This scarcity impacted paratrooper deployment, leading to smaller, tactical jumps compared to Europe's large strategic operations.
11th Airborne Division Formation
- The 11th Airborne Division, formed in 1943, comprised glider and parachute units.
- Parachute units, like Rod Serling's, were volunteer-based and offered hazardous duty pay.
