On December 30th, the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail will proudly mark the anniversary of the activation of the 555th Parachute Infantry Company, better known as the Triple Nickles, one of the most groundbreaking units in U.S. Army history.
Activated in December 1943 at Fort Benning, Georgia, the Triple Nickles became the first all-Black parachute infantry unit in the United States Armed Forces. Their formation on Georgia soil underscores our state’s profound role in shaping America’s World War II legacy, from flight training and infantry preparation to historic advances in military integration.
At a time when the military remained segregated, these paratroopers broke barriers through excellence, discipline, and courage. Their activation at Fort Benning marked a bold step toward expanding opportunities for African Americans in elite military roles and contributed to the long arc toward equality in the armed services.
A UNIT THAT SERVED WITH DISTINCTION
Although the Triple Nickles did not deploy overseas, their mission was no less extraordinary. Reassigned to the U.S. Forest Service’s World War II “Smoke Jumper” mission, the paratroopers executed more than 1,200 airborne operations during Operation Firefly, combating wildfires sparked by Japanese balloon bombs on the American West Coast.
Their daring jumps into rugged, hazardous terrain showcased exceptional skill, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the home front.
A LEGACY ROOTED IN GEORGIA’S WWII HISTORY
The pioneering spirit of the Triple Nickles helped pave the way for the integration of the U.S. military, influencing policy changes that would follow President Truman’s Executive Order 9981 in 1948. Their story—rooted in Georgia—remains a powerful reminder of how our state played a key role in military innovation, training, and progress during World War II.
TRAIL LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE
“The story of the Triple Nickles is a story of courage, excellence, and determination in the face of institutional barriers,” said Ed Coleman, Chair of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. “That this pioneering unit was activated at Fort Benning makes their legacy an important chapter in Georgia’s WWII story. Their contributions, whether jumping into wildfires on the home front or breaking down racial barriers within elite military units, represent the very best of the American spirit. The Trail is proud to honor their legacy and ensure these stories are remembered across our state and nation.”
REMEMBERING THE TRIPLE NICKLES
As we honor the anniversary of their activation at Fort Benning, the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail invites our partners and visitors to learn more about the 555th Parachute Infantry Company, their pioneering missions, and their enduring impact on American military history.
The Trail remains committed to elevating stories that broaden our understanding of World War II, stories of innovation, resilience, and communities whose contributions shaped both the war effort and the nation that followed.
We salute the Triple Nickles and commemorate their extraordinary role in America’s WWII legacy, born here in Georgia.