American Glider Pilots in the Invasion of Sicily

Assigned to the C-47 troop carrier squadrons, more than 6,500 glider pilots played a key role in the newly developed U.S. Army Airborne Doctrine in World War II. These servicemen faced an especially daunting challenge: deliver heavy equipment, troops, and medical supplies behind well-fortified enemy lines in nonpowered, slow-moving aircraft made of fabric, plywood, and metal tubing. High casualtie...