The Membership Roll of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team Association, World War II, Inc. is closed. The Association has voted to be a "last man standing" Association, which places a finite life upon it as the last of the Paratroopers leave us.

A number of people have been seeking membership of the Association, so as to support its aims and ideals. With the Association's Membership Roll closed to non-Troopers, these people have, until now, been regretfully turned away. 

There will soon be a time at which there is no Association remaining to join.

There are those of the post-war generations who have a genuine desire to understand the history of the war through understanding the history of the 503d.  There are generations of our sons and brothers who have come within the professional shadow of our 503d Lineage, through service in Korea and Vietnam.  More lately, with the reactivation in Vincenza, Italy of the 2/503d (as part of the 173d Airborne Brigade) a whole new group of patriotic Americans are to see service in the tradition which we started. 

There are also our own sons and daughters, and their sons and daughters, who have expressed their desire to preserve our Heritage and love of country.  With our passing, we want to leave them a framework for their own efforts.  

Until the formation of the Heritage Bn., there has been no way for all of  these people to enjoy the benefits of close association with the 503d PRCT. 

For it shall be to them that we shall pass our torch. 

Proud I'm Allowed,
Francis X. O'Neill Jr.