Member-only story

Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles

Tyrone Powell

·2.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Courage Has No Color The True Story Of The Triple Nickles: America S First Black Paratroopers (Junior Library Guild Selection)

4 min read · 1 month before

423 View Claps

25 Respond

Save

Listen

The Triple Nickles were the first all-black paratrooper unit in the U.S. Army. They fought with distinction in World War II, earning the respect of their fellow soldiers and helping to break down racial barriers. Their story is one of courage, determination, and resilience.

The Early Years

The Triple Nickles were formed in 1943 at Fort Benning, Georgia. The unit was originally called the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, but it was later nicknamed the "Triple Nickles" because of its distinctive shoulder patch, which featured three red chevrons on a black background.

Courage Has No Color, The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers (Junior Library Guild Selection)

by Tanya Lee Stone

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20610 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages

The Triple Nickles were initially commanded by white officers, but in 1944, they were given their first black commander, Captain Charles E. Chew. Chew was a West Point graduate and a decorated combat veteran. He was a strong leader who demanded excellence from his men.

Training and Deployment

The Triple Nickles underwent rigorous training at Fort Benning. They learned how to jump from airplanes, pack parachutes, and fight in combat. They also trained with live ammunition and explosives.

In August 1944, the Triple Nickles were deployed to Europe. They fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Germany. They also participated in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.

Combat Record

The Triple Nickles fought with distinction in combat. They were known for their courage, determination, and discipline. They earned the respect of their fellow soldiers and helped to break down racial barriers.

The Triple Nickles were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their actions in the Battle of the Bulge. They were also awarded the French Croix de Guerre for their role in the liberation of France.

Legacy

The Triple Nickles were a pioneering unit that helped to pave the way for the integration of the U.S. military. They fought with courage and distinction, and they helped to break down racial barriers.

The Triple Nickles' story is one of inspiration and hope. It is a reminder that courage has no color and that anything is possible with determination and hard work.

Suggested Reading

Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles by James M. Gavin
The Triple Nickles: The First All-Black Paratrooper Unit in the U.S. Army by Richard H. Kohn
The Paratroopers of World War II by Steven Ambrose

Courage Has No Color, The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers (Junior Library Guild Selection)

by Tanya Lee Stone

4.7 out of 5