American Glider Pilots in the Invasion of Sicily

"Many Americans are not even aware that the USAAF had over 6,500 glider pilots in World War II. Assigned to the C-47 troop carrier squadrons, glider pilots played a key role in the newly developed U.S. Army Airborne Doctrine. These soldiers faced an especially daunting challenge: deliver heavy equipment, troops, and medical supplies behind well-fortified enemy lines in non-powered, slow-moving aircraft made of fabric, plywood, and metal tubing. High casualties were expected on these "one-way tic