May 14, 2025 – Camp Toccoa at Currahee has officially joined the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, becoming the newest addition to a network of historic sites dedicated to preserving the stories and sacrifices of Georgia’s World War II veterans. Together with the Currahee Military Museum, these two sites in Toccoa tell the compelling story of America’s paratroopers and the critical training they received before entering battle in Europe.
To mark its inclusion in the Trail and to commemorate the historic D-Day landings, Camp Toccoa at Currahee will host a series of events in June 2025:
- D-Day 10K Run & Memorial Walk – On June 7, 2025, visitors can participate in a 10K run or a Memorial Walk up Currahee Mountain, following the same trails that paratroopers trained on over 80 years ago.
- USO Commemorative Show – The evening of June 7 will feature a USO-style event with live music, food trucks, and historical displays celebrating the spirit of the 1940s.
The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail is a collection of twelve historic sites across the state that represent Georgia’s significant contributions to the war effort. Toccoa played a vital role during the war as the training ground for more than 18,000 paratroopers. The units trained at Camp Toccoa were instrumental to the success of airborne operations during World War II.
Airborne Units Trained at Camp Toccoa
- 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (101st Airborne Division): Trained at Camp Toccoa before participating in major operations such as D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.
- 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (101st Airborne Division): Known for its role in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, the 506th earned the nickname “Currahees” from their training runs up Currahee Mountain..
- 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd and later 17th Airborne Divisions): Underwent initial training at Camp Toccoa before engaging in operations including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.
- 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment (11th Airborne Division): Formed at Camp Toccoa in January 1943, the 511th later saw action in the Pacific, including the Battle of Leyte and the Raid at Los Baños.
- 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment (17th and later 13th Airborne Divisions): Trained at Camp Toccoa before participating in the Italian Campaign, Operation Dragoon, and the Battle of the Bulge.
- 457th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion (11th Airborne Division): Provided artillery support for airborne operations after training at Camp Toccoa.
- 295th and 296th Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Companies: Completed basic training at Camp Toccoa in 1943, supporting airborne units with essential maintenance services.
The Currahee Military Museum, housed in the historic Toccoa Train Depot, will also welcome visitors throughout June to explore its extensive exhibits and learn more about Toccoa’s unique contribution to the war effort. The museum features artifacts, memorabilia, and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of what life was like for paratroopers training at Camp Toccoa. Exhibits include original equipment, uniforms, and photos, along with a fully restored section of a British Stables building that housed American soldiers during the war.
Trail Chair Ed Coleman expressed his enthusiasm for Camp Toccoa’s addition to the Trail, stating, “Visitors to Camp Toccoa at Currahee and the Currahee Military Museum can walk in the footsteps of heroes and gain a true appreciation for the sacrifices made to secure our freedoms.”
A Journey Through History
Camp Toccoa at Currahee and the Currahee Military Museum are more than just historic sites; they are living tributes to the men and women who answered the call to defend freedom during World War II. As members of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, they help ensure that the legacy of Georgia’s Greatest Generation is preserved and shared with visitors from around the world.
For information about the Camp Toccoa at Currahee D-Day 10K Run & Memorial Walk and USO Commemorative Show click here