A group of Republican House veterans are preparing for the 80th anniversary of D-Day by jumping out of original World War II C-47 transport planes.
The eight lawmakers emerged unscathed after the practice exercise in Florida last weekend, with the Republican Party’s narrow majority of just one vote remaining intact.
Former Green Beret Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com that there were “no incidents” during the tense practice.
“It is gratifying to know that we have such wonderful veteran members who are willing to jump out of a plane with me to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and honor our World War II veterans,” Waltz said.
“This will be one of the last major anniversaries featuring World War II veterans, so we want to make sure this celebration is special. We had no incidents during our training and we are looking forward to the real jump in June!’
DailyMail.com found that while the test was successful, some Republicans had to endure tougher landings than others.
The eight lawmakers emerged unscathed after the practice exercise in Florida last weekend, with the Republican Party’s slim one-vote majority remaining intact
Former Green Beret Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com that there were “no incidents” during the tense workout
The practice dive takes place ahead of a huge congressional delegation to Normandy, France, in early June
Army veteran Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, apparently hit the ground between two planes during the test jump, but he’s just getting his military training legs back under him.
Reps. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, Rich McCormick, R-Ga., Mark Green, R-Tenn., and Cory Mills, R-Fla., joined Issa and Waltz on the jump.
The practice dive precedes a massive congressional delegation to Normandy, France, in early June to mark the 80th anniversary of the largest sea invasion in history.
The famous D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 were a triumph for Allied forces in World War II and are one of the best-remembered military operations of the conflict after five years of conflict with Adolf Hitler’s Germany and the Axis powers.
Lawmakers will jump again – this time over the beautiful beaches of Normandy in the presence of their colleagues and world leaders, to mark 80 years since the historic landing.
A ninth Republican — former Navy SEAL Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas — made a separate preparatory jump on a Virginia beach this weekend.
“I’m excited to jump into Normandy with some of my fellow vets on June 6 to honor the Greatest Generation on the 80th anniversary of D-Day,” he told DailyMail.com.
He went on to say that the jump is a “great opportunity” to convey the message that “we have not forgotten the sacrifices they made for our freedoms.”
In total, the 1944 invasion involved 153,110 troops, supported by 10,440 aircraft – including C-47 transport aircraft – and 6,330 ships, with paratroopers landing behind enemy lines prior to the main attack.
The forces were roughly divided between five beaches: Gold and Sword were attacked by British forces, Juno by Canadian and Omaha and Utah by the US.
The sacrifices of the estimated 4,000-9,000 troops killed during the operation are honored each year on June 6
“My fellow vets are getting ready to jump over Normandy for the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day from original C-47 transport planes,” Waltz posted on Instagram.
“Thank you Round Canopy Parachute Team for the great refresher training today in Palatka, FL!” Waltz wrote on Sunday.
In total, the 1944 invasion involved 153,110 troops, supported by 10,440 aircraft and 6,330 ships, with paratroopers landing behind enemy lines before the main attack.
The forces were roughly divided between five beaches: Gold and Sword were attacked by British forces, Juno by Canadian and Omaha and Utah by the US.
After less than a week, all five beaches were secured and more troops, vehicles and equipment were delivered to the Allies.
Every year, ceremonies are held across the region – and worldwide – to pay tribute to the achievements of those who fought.
The sacrifices of the estimated 4,000-9,000 troops killed during the operation are honored.
The forces were roughly divided between five beaches: Gold and Sword were attacked by British forces, Juno by Canadian and Omaha and Utah by the US.