WWII archival film footage of the first African American Paratroopers/Smoke Jumpers - 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion "The Triple Nickles". Watch these guys in training, then see them jump right into a blazing forest fire to attack that blaze! Amazing and rare footage of very brave men doing their dangerous jobs extremely well. Note how they land in the trees on purpose - "hooking the trees" as they called it was a vital part of their technique which allowed them to rope down to the ground at their own pace rather than slamming directly into dangerously hard and uneven mountain terrain upon landing. The 555th PIB were absolute pioneers in the Airborne world on so many levels. Look them up today to learn more about them - they deserve far more historical recognition and appreciation than they have ever received. Their Veterans Association Web Site is a fantastic reference and it can be found online at the following web address: http://www.triplenickle.com/

PS - The Triple Nickles intentionally used the alternate spelling of the word " Nickels " as another way to further identify the uniqueness of their unit. When researching The Triple Nickles anywhere online, use both spellings as they are often interchanged in various sources. (less info)