The First Black Paratroopers Changed Military History
The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nickles, made history during World War II as America’s first Black paratroopers. Their courage and skill challenged racism in the military and paved the way for future generations of Black paratroopers.
The U.S. Army initially refused to train Black soldiers as paratroopers. But First Sergeant Walter Morris changed that. He led a group of Black soldiers in secret training, proving they were just as capable as their White counterparts. His efforts caught the attention of military leaders, leading to the official formation of the Triple Nickles.
Walter Morris Led the Fight for Inclusion
During World War II, White soldiers were being trained as paratroopers to invade France. Morris, a Black non-commissioned officer, noticed their training and wondered, “Why can’t we do that?”
Instead of waiting for permission, he took action. After White soldiers finished training for the day, Morris led his men through the same exercises. Their dedication impressed the base commander, who allowed them to continue. This moment changed military history.
Veteran Martin Thompson explained, “Morris knew he was in trouble when he got called in. But instead of punishment, the commander said, ‘I like that. Keep doing it.’”
The Triple Nickles Proved Their Strength and Skill
Facing racism and doubt, the Triple Nickles had to work twice as hard to prove themselves. Many in the military believed Black soldiers lacked the courage to jump out of planes. Others assumed they weren’t skilled enough to control parachutes.
But the Triple Nickles proved them wrong. They trained rigorously and mastered parachuting, earning respect from their fellow soldiers. Their success opened doors for future Black paratroopers, showing they could perform just as well as their White counterparts.
Their Legacy Inspired Future Generations
The impact of the Triple Nickles didn’t end after the war. They inspired generations of Black paratroopers, including Andrew Boston, who served during the Vietnam War. Shockingly, he never learned about the Triple Nickles until 30 years after leaving the Army.
Boston discovered their story through a newspaper article about the 555th Parachute Infantry Association, a group that honors the battalion’s legacy. He later met some of the original Triple Nickles, realizing just how much their service had changed military history.
“We didn’t get this history in school or even in the military,” Boston said. “It took me years to learn what they had done.”
Keeping the Triple Nickles’ Story Alive
Many veterans, including Darren Purnell, are dedicated to making sure the Triple Nickles’ legacy lives on. As a paratrooper and a member of the Triple Nickles Baltimore chapter, Purnell believes their story must be shared with younger generations.
“Our goal is to help younger soldiers understand this history and keep it alive,” Purnell said. “They need to know what these men accomplished.”
The Triple Nickles changed military history by defying racism and proving their skill. Their story remains a powerful reminder of perseverance, courage, and the fight for equality in the U.S. military.
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