veterans

As an organization dedicated to the brave men of the 82nd AB, 508 PIR, we are extremely fortunate and blessed to have five sponsor veterans from E company in our ranks. Click on their name to view their profile.

 

James Burke

Is our founding Easy 508 Sponsor Veteran and is responsible for our unit's creation. While the 1SG was standing amongst the crowd at the Reading Air Show in 2000, a tall, distinguished gentleman came up to him and asked if he had seen any airborne paratroopers around. The 1SG, decked out in a M42 uniform, respectfully replied, "you're looking at one," and Jim quickly responded, "so are you." With that chance meeting, Easy 508 was born (Prior to that meeting, our unit was a small Company in the 505PIR). Subsequent to meeting Jim, the original stick of Pathfinders met his family, and then Jim introduced us to George Shenkle (our second Easy 508 Sponsor Veteran). Shortly afterwards, a vote by those Pathfinders was held and Easy 508 was official created with the mission to continue on the legacy of E Company of the 82nd Airborne, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

 

George Shenkle

Jumped with Jim Burke into Normandy on D-Day and into Holland during Operation Market Garden. George was awarded the Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He has been a strong supporter of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regimental Association and the recipient of the Association's O. B. Hill Award.

Jack Plotts

In July of 2002, our unit was again blessed when we enlisted another Easy 508 sponsor veteran, Jack Plotts. Jack jumped into Normandy with the company, but was seriously wounded on July 5, 1944.

Lester Dunlap

In December of 2004, Easy 508 signed up our fourth Sponsor Veteran, Lester (Pat) Dunlap. Pat was in jump school during D-Day, but served as a Pathfinder during Operation Market Garden and endured the stuggles of the Battle of the Bulge. After VE Day, Pat reenlisted and served with Easy 508 as part of America's Honor Guard at Allied Headquarters in Occupied Germany.

 

George Miles

We are monumentally fortunate to have Captain George Miles as one of our Easy 508 PIR Sponsor Veterans. Captain Miles is a distinguished graduate of the honorable University of Notre Dame. As a Lieutenant during D-Day, George jumped into Normandy as the 2/508 Battalion S-4. He was wounded during the hedgerow fighting and taken to Hill 30 until he could be evacuated to England. After recuperating, George returned to the Regiment just prior to the Ardennes conflict. He assumed command of Easy during the Battle of the Bulge after his commanding officer, and best friend, Lloyd Polette was killed. George remained in command of Easy Company through the Battle of the Bulge to the end of the war. After the war was over and the 508th was stationed in Germany as General Eisenhower's honor guard, Captain Miles served as the 508PIR Regimental S-4.