The airborne assault into Normandy on D-Day was the largest use of airborne troops ever. With more than 13,000 men, paratroopers were flown in from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in C-47 aircraft. Another 4,000 infantry flew in on gliders carrying supporting weapons and medical units with their main purpose of reinforcing the paratroopers.

Paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions were assigned a difficult task; a night jump behind enemy lines, in the early morning hours just before the coastal landings. The objective was to soften up the German troops and to secure needed targets, prior to the coastal landings. They knew in advance that if the accompanying assault at the beachheads failed, there would be no rescue.  Poor weather, heavy fog, darkness and the heavily armed German troops encumbered the paratroopers creating disorganization.  

Unfortunately the pilots were unable to drop the paratroopers as precisely as planned.  As they descended on the Cherbourg peninsula, the 101st Division suffered heavy casualties and many brave paratroopers were killed as they were badly scattered. The 81st Division suffered heavy supply losses, leaving much of the Division without any arms. However, they were able to overcome these impediments creating a great deal of confusion on the enemy and eventually accomplished their objectives.

Paratroopers
Jumping from airplanes as a means of troop deployment was a relatively new concept for the U.S. Army in early 1940. It was first applied by Italians and Germans in the beginning of World War II. The Parachute Test Platoon was a creation of the Army for experimental training at Fort Benning, Georgia.  A group of 50 handpicked volunteers were trained under very strict standards of discipline. These men were very well respected by everyone due to their willingness to jump from an airplane and they were considered to be what every soldier wanted to be. There are a number of legends and traditions set by Paratroopers which carries on even today.

The U.S. Airborne School more widely known as "Jump School" has replaced the original Parachute Test Platoon created back in 1940 during WWII. It's operated by the 1st Battalion, 507th Infantry, U.S. Army Infantry School still based out of Fort Benning, Georgia. It remains voluntary and is open for qualification by all branches of the U.S. Army. The basic premise is in the use of a parachute as a means of combat deployment and to develop leadership, self-confidence and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning. In addition, all age groups must pass the Physical Fitness test using the 17-21 age group standards.