A Time of War and Memories : A Reunion of Those Who Fought Long Ago as the 11th Airborne Division

It had all begun, back in February, 1943, at a now-long-forgotten post called Camp MacKall. There, in the wilderness of North Carolina, the 11th Airborne Division was brought to life. Those who were there at the beginning and those would come along much later were drawn from all parts of the country and all walks of life. At their head was Maj. Gen. Joseph M. Swing.

In next 2 1/2 years, the division would prove its worth time and again as it fought the war in the Pacific. There were the vicious and costly battles to wrest back the Philippines from a determined enemy. There was the lightning raid that freed 2,134 prisoners interned at a prison camp simply called Los Banos. Leyte, Mindoro, Luzon, Nasugbu, Tagaytay Bridge, Imus. All names that bring back the good and bad memories of what became know as “the dash for Manila.”

That was more than 40 years ago. This week, the remaining members of the 11th Airborne Division are gathered in Anaheim for their annual reunion. There are parties, dinners, dances, golf and unit meetings. There will also be a memorial service for those who have fallen. The battles took their toll then, and now the years have begun to take theirs. But as they’ll say Sunday, when its time to return to homes and families and leave the memories behind, “Here’s to the next one.”