World War II

After graduating from high school, my father enlisted in the Army and applied for Parachute School. Originally assigned to the 82nd Airborne, he was later transferred to the famous 101st Airborne. His orders took him oversea. After the war ended, my father was assigned to General Eisenhower's Elite Guard in Europe.

Paratrooper, 101st Airborne Division

My Dad's "dog tags."

Yet another drop. Probably a practice jump (circa 1943).

101st Airborne Division
"Geronimo!"

My father, Rex Partington during one of his many jumps while in the 101st Airborne during World War II.  This was most likely a training or maneuver jump.  My dad always wanted to jump again, right up to the end of his life.  He said it was an incredible, almost ethereal feeling once the chute opened and you were riding down.  Nothing but the wind surrounded you and you were, for those few moments, in a different world.

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Rex Partington and his mother, Mildred (circa 1945).

Rex Patington and his sister LaRaine (circa 1945).

101st Airborne in the European Theater

Rex Partington in Europe during World War II with the 101st Airborne, 507 Parachute Infantry then, post-war with General Eisenhower's Elite Guard.

The letter from my father to his father telling of his decision to join the Paratroops.