[Mike In memoriam]

No offense to gramps, but stories get confused.

Nobody is going to run about in a parachute harness.
Cumbersome and uncomfortable to say the least.
Rigs are unassed immediately upon landing.

Maybe he had the canopy material saved or salvaged for some reason.

You did not mention if it still has suspension lines, risers, pack tray, cover, harness or any other stuff that comes with a parachute.

 

[Mike In memoriam]

Some of the Montagnards we had wore "bata" boots, some still went barefoot, and a few actually wore flip flops on operation.

Thanks for waking that one up.

Spose the guy could have been pilot or crew from one of those suicide planes.
They might have been armed with whatever they could scrounge at the last minute.

 

[Mike In memoriam]

I think Mike Rockhill has it right.
I've spent a lifetime harassing vets about their experiences.
Many are willing to talk to another vet, but the stories get twisted. Some are flat made up. Sometimes just for fun.
I got out in '70 and get my own stuff confused at times.

Again, is this only the canopy or all the associated gear?

Clearly, this will go in circles from now on.

I have a hometown friend, 517th Airborne, did the whole European tour-wounded, real tough old bird and stand up guy.
He likes me because of our airborne and combat connection.

He always mentions how formidable "Tiger Royals" were.
He did mention he never saw one in person.

I'm going o the annual SF convention this week-taking my hip waders.