Chapter IV, Oh! I Want Those Wings

IV. Must Win Those Wings! One set is mine!

Like reaching for a star in the sky. Fear is a part of the game. In the whole history of Fort Benning there have been few injuries or deaths. Ok, that is good to know.
Does it help?

No. not much. 8013 had an intense fear of flying and falling. He was never in a plane before. This procedure is where you are hooked up and the chute opens for you. No rip cord. You packed a chute so you know how it opens.

They tell you if you think you are not going to jump do not get on the plane. Everyone hooks up and moves along to the door. Any hestitation near the door you are gone. Oh! once you hook up there in no way you can unhook.

8013 thought about running away. But you see so many people in uniform wearing wings. Some with wreaths and stars. That means many jumps. No one would predict that this scared kid would make many,many jumps in the future. Even night jumps. And you know what he became not only a master jumper but a master skydiver. Oh! by the way. Only a few brave souls in Russia and Germany were skydiving. Not a popular topic at this time. Most thought it was impossible.Now! who on this day would ever believe that? 8013 could not hide his fear until a Sgt. checked him over and said "you are a go and you will make it, see you are the ground." That did it. The fear lightened up.

The first jump was the toughest. Five more to go but it becme easier with each one. He made it with all of the rest of his class. This funny "dumb" kid with the blond hair and blue eyes. Nearly all of his teachers viewed him as a strange kid who will never make it.

The wings to a long drop. Hang on, you are in for one of the most amazing runs among amazing careers. Where ever you go, there you are. Is this true in this case?

Stop for a moment. You are 16 and a dumb kid like 8013. They think he is 18. Could you, would you trust all of this? Yes, you came downb a 50 foot cable and practiced hitting ground over and over, You know what to do with the chute which is blowing away from you while you are trying to get up. Thats a big open chute full of wind. Oh! not a strong wind as they never jump into a strong ground wind. Well, the firstone is no fun! Tomorrows another day.