D-Day Conneaut is our nation’s largest re-enactment of the D-Day landings and actions on the Cotentin Peninsula. This year, for the first time, a C-47 that participated in Operation Overlord graced the skies of Ashtabula County to conduct airborne operations. The C-47 “Placid Lassie” of the Tunison Foundation dropped nearly 50 paratroopers from three different countries onto two separate drop zones in honor the over 13,000 American paratroopers who jumped on the Day of Days. We even had a native son of Conneaut - Pvt. 1st Class Nate Coy, who is currently serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy - manifested for the operations. One paratrooper, Jens Jansen, traveled all the way from the Netherlands to represent Parachute Group Holland during the operation.
Our ranks of World War II veterans are sadly dwindling as each day passes. Through events like D-Day Conneaut and Operation McBride 2023, we not only showcase the airborne capability but ensure that the legacy and storied traditions of those who came before us will never solely be relegated to the pages of history. That is the mission of each of the five jump teams that came together to honor our greatest generation: the veterans. Operation McBride 2023 was hosted by W&R Veterans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports veteran causes around the world. Standing for “War and Recovery,” W&R Veterans has routinely hosted events like Operation McBride to honor our greatest generation. From “Pee Wee’s Jump Fest,” in Xenia, Ohio, to missions in Normandy, the Netherlands and Bastogne, the organization works to honor all veterans and ensures that our collective history is preserved for generations to come.
Operation McBride 2023 was no different. Not only did paratroopers and their families gather to honor our greatest generation, but we also brought several of them to attend the events honoring their service. From 101-year-old P-47 pilot Lt. Col. Ed Cottrell, to 98-year-old Command Sgt. Maj. Henry Armstrong, who served over 41 years within the U.S. Army, W&R Veterans hosted five total of our WWII heroes and gave them a front-row seat to observe three airborne operations at the two drop zones that were dedicated in honor of two 101st Airborne Division paratroopers who have since passed away. The first airborne operation conducted at the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport on Aug. 18 resulted in the first official dedication of our drop zones. This drop zone was named in honor of Sgt. Bob Noody of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. Bob jumped during Operations Overlord and Market Garden, and would fight all the way to Bastogne, Hagenau and Berchtesgaden. During the operation numerous members of the Ashtabula County communities came out to observe the jumps into history. We want to thank the staff of the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport for the warm hospitality and look forward to operating there for future events.
The following day on Aug. 19, we conducted two more airborne operations onto the Benson family farm in Conneaut. With the family of Sgt. Dan McBride of Fox Company, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, we formally dedicated the drop zone in his honor. Dan, also a native of Conneaut, jumped into Operations Overlord and Market Garden like his friend Bob, and would fight all the way through Europe to secure our freedoms. Upon returning home he would serve some time as a police officer before re-enlisting back into the U.S. Army where he would serve in the 82nd Airborne Division. These two men exemplified what it meant to be a paratrooper, and it was an honor to formally dedicate these drop zones and the overall operation to their memory. This event would not have been possible without all those who supported it. From the Benson and McBride families, to the jumpers who traveled great lengths to participate in the mission. Another key supporter of this operation was Cowle American Legion Post 151. Not only did the post donate in support of the operation, but they also hosted our team dinner on the evening of Aug. 18. The Legion's mission is to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities. Post 151 truly met this mission during this year’s events and enabled W&R Veterans and the five supporting jump teams to do the same.
We humbly ask that if you are not a member of The American Legion, or the other veterans organizations that seek to care for those who served, their families and those still serving, look to see how you can support them in carrying on their much-needed missions.
If you would like to learn how you too can jump into history, we encourage you to look at the All-Airborne Battalion, Liberty Jump Team, Round Canopy Parachuting Team and Parachute Group Holland so you too can learn or refresh yourself on how to execute airborne operations. We thank Post 151 and all the other sponsors who made Operation McBride 2023 possible. We look forward to supporting D-Day Conneaut in the years to come and seeing you all on the next drop zone. Airborne, All the Way!
