This is the pre & post WWII JUMP LOG For PFC Leopold J. Martin who served in the 101st Airborne (502nd PIR) during WWII and 82nd Airborne when he re-enlisted in 1949.

Leo’s parachute school started at FT Benning GA in 1943 with more training at Camp MacKall NC. It’s fascinating that the parachute and plane type are also included. Note entry 7, the combat jump into Holland (Operation Market Garden) and the comment “Combat As Hell”. Bad grammar or bad English? Leo Martin was born in Canada as French speaking with English as his 2nd language, and it is assumed that he meant to write “Combat IS Hell”.

It had to be chaotic at the time, as they had to have been shot at as they floated down and gathered up. LT Cole (?) signed it and somehow PFC Martin took great care of this little book for it to survive Holland & the rest of the action that the 101st Airborne saw. Note also the next entry for a jump in Auxere France when the war was over.

1st Sergeant Layton Black (502nd Co C) is also mentioned in his jump book, this jump being partial training/partial jump pay for the 101st, as they awaited being shipped back home. 1st Sergeant Layton Black’s (“Blacky”) story is revealed in The Last First Sergeant, a book that shares his landing at Normandy to Allied occupation after the war.

Leo Martin later became a “jumpmaster” and continued his military career serving mostly in the 82nd Airborne with 200+ jumps. He retired as 1st Sgt in 1966 living the next 40 years near FT Bragg NC and passed away in 2011.

Comes A Soldier’s Whisper gives an eternal salute of gratitude to Leopold J. Martin for his service to our country.

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Photo & Story Source: Gary L. Martin, son of Leopold J. Martin