Camp Toccoa at Currahee continues to bring World War II history to life through immersive programming, as Jump Week 2026 marked the third consecutive year of airborne training returning to the historic site.
Held the week of March 22, Jump Week welcomed more than 80 participants from six countries for an intensive airborne training experience led by All Airborne Battalion. The program included both recertification and first-time jump training, culminating in live jumps from the historic C-47 Placid Lassie—an aircraft that served in World War II delivering paratroopers, supplies, and towing gliders during combat operations.
The event also drew participation from actors associated with the acclaimed HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, several of whom completed jumps during the week. A particularly meaningful highlight was the presence of 103-year-old Gene Metcalfe, an original “Toccoa Man” and veteran of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, who trained at Camp Toccoa and later participated in Operation Market Garden.
Jump Week reflects the mission of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail by connecting audiences directly to the experiences of those who trained and served during the war.
“Programs like Jump Week demonstrate that these historic sites are not static—they are active places of remembrance, education, and engagement,” said Ed Coleman, Chairman of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail. “By recreating elements of the airborne experience at Camp Toccoa, we are preserving not just history, but the spirit and sacrifice of the men who trained there.”
Camp Toccoa at Currahee is one of twelve partner sites on the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, a statewide initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting Georgia’s significant contributions to the World War II home front and battlefield.