Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A. and a full historical research write-up.

*Limited Edition of 50*

Own your piece of history today!

Due to an incredibly high demand for display case options we are proud to offer one of our LIMITED EDITION series of HISTORIC DISPLAY CASE EXCLUSIVES. This incredible “Piece of History“ is professionally encased in a glass display case with plush padding and a tightly sealed display case. Each displays features a historical photograph and short description that corresponds to the artifact displayed. This display case measures a perfect 4.25 inches tall x 3.25 inches wide.

This series is a limited edition of 50 pieces, meaning that each “Piece of History” display is unique. The parachute artifact you receive may vary slightly from the display shown.

This incredibly rare and very historic piece of WWII history is an original U.S. Airborne Division parachute fragment that was recovered from the D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise drop zones designated for U.S. paratroopers during Operation Overlord Allied D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. When they landed most of the US paratroopers were badly scattered across the area and much of their equipment was lost. This parachute fragment from that has remained lost to history until it was professionally recovered in 1994. The Americans of the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped onto the Cotentin peninsula behind Utah Beach. They blocked a main road at Sainte-Mère-Eglise and secured causeways across the flooded lowlands, helping the US 4th Infantry Division to break out from Utah Beach. Numbering more than 13,000 men, the paratroopers were flown from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in approximately 925 C-47 airplanes. An additional 4,000 men, consisting of glider infantry were to arrive in 500 gliders later on D-Day to reinforce the paratroopers.

Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marked a turning point in World War II and remains one of the most significant military operations in history. A vital component of this audacious plan was the deployment of U.S. Airborne divisions through parachute and glider landings behind enemy lines. Among the legendary stories that emerged from this historic operation, the airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église stand out as a testament to the bravery and determination of American paratroopers. This essay explores the significance of the U.S. Airborne landings during D-Day, with a specific focus on the events at Sainte-Mère-Église and the crucial role played by the parachutes of the Airborne paratroopers.

The Strategic Importance of U.S. Airborne Landings: Operation Overlord required the Allies to establish a foothold in Normandy, and the U.S. Airborne divisions played a critical role in achieving this objective. The paratroopers were tasked with securing key objectives, disrupting German defenses, and establishing a defensive perimeter to protect the invasion force upon landing. By landing behind enemy lines, the airborne troops effectively confused and weakened German forces, providing a significant tactical advantage to the invading Allied forces.

One of the most memorable episodes of the U.S. Airborne landings during D-Day occurred at the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. Situated at the heart of the Cotentin Peninsula, Sainte-Mère-Église served as a vital transportation hub and a gateway to Utah Beach. The town became a prime target due to its strategic location, making it critical for the success of the overall invasion.

Sainte-Mère-Église gained international fame due to the heroic and fortunate landing of Private John Steele. As part of the 82nd Airborne Division, Steele's parachute got caught on the church's spire, leaving him dangling for several hours while playing dead. His survival and subsequent capture by German forces became a symbol of the paratroopers' unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Role of Parachutes in Airborne Operations: Parachutes were the primary means of deployment for U.S. Airborne forces during Operation Overlord. They allowed troops and their equipment to be swiftly and discreetly dropped from transport aircraft onto enemy territory, enabling the element of surprise and strategic flexibility. Parachutes also acted as a symbol of the paratroopers' courage and commitment to their mission.

The parachutes used during the D-Day airborne landings were specially designed for military use. They featured improvements such as static lines for automatic deployment and quick-release buckles for rapid detachment upon landing. These advancements aimed to enhance the safety and efficiency of the airborne operations.

While parachutes provided a means of entry for the paratroopers, they also posed significant risks. Paratroopers faced the hazards of anti-aircraft fire, enemy aircraft, high winds, and the risk of entanglement with the parachute itself. Despite these dangers, the paratroopers courageously jumped into the unknown, relying on their training and equipment to accomplish their objectives.

Impact and Legacy of the U.S. Airborne Landings: The U.S. Airborne landings during Operation Overlord played a pivotal role in the success of the D-Day invasion and, ultimately, the Allied victory in World War II. Their actions and sacrifices disrupted German lines of communication, secured vital objectives, and diverted enemy attention from the amphibious assault. The heroism and effectiveness of the Airborne divisions bolstered morale among the Allied troops and demonstrated the determination to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.

The U.S. Airborne landings during D-Day were instrumental in securing a foothold in Normandy and turning the tide of World War II. The events at Sainte-Mère-Église, exemplified by the legendary story of John Steele, serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the American paratroopers. The parachutes they relied upon, despite the risks involved, allowed them to execute their mission behind enemy lines and contribute significantly to the success of Operation Overlord. The legacy of these airborne divisions endures as a reminder of the extraordinary feats accomplished by the Allied forces during the largest seaborne invasion in history.