Fort Myer in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
555th Parachute Infantry Battalion
"Triple Nickels" "Smoke Jumpers"
1943 - 1947
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 30, 2008
1. 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion Marker
In memory of America's first Black paratroopers, their successor units, and their supporters whose pioneering efforts and sacrifices have contributed to the development of the world's finest airborne forces.
"All the Way!"
Erected 1995 by the 555th Parachute Infantry Association.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Air & Space • War, Korean • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list.
Location. 38° 52.62′ N, 77° 4.539′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Fort Myer. Marker is off Farragut Drive in Cemetery Section 23. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Myer VA 22211, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Montford Point Marines (a few steps from this marker); Memorial to US Airmen killed in Denmark (within shouting distance of this marker); 92d Infantry Division (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Triple "Nickles". (Submitted on September 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Operation Fire Fly and the 555th. (Submitted on September 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) - Korea. In December 1949, the 555th Parachute Infantry Regiment was inactivated and re-designated as the 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. In November 1950, members of that battalion were assigned to the newly formed 2nd Ranger Company (Airborne) which was activated at that time along with three other “separate” Ranger companies (all-White) for service in the Korean War. It became the first, last and only all-Black Ranger unit in the U.S. Army. (Submitted on January 20, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 30, 2008
2. 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion marker and memorial tree
Arlington National Cemetery, Section 23 (note also the Montford Point Marines marker, upper right).
