Mike Kelso’s Last Parachute Jump

On 6 June 2005, I made my last parachute jump in the US Army. Participating in D-Day activities was a great experience especially since I was jumping with members of the 507th PIR and the Ranger Training Brigade. I spent 30 years on jump status so making my last jump over Normandy was special. As it turns out, this was not my last jump.

This last year, I became acquainted with the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team. The ADT is an organization that provides its members with the unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history of the WWII paratrooper. Members come from all walks of life including several foreign countries. Those wanting to experience the thrill of jumping from a WWII veteran C-47 first go through The Parachute School.

The school provides all graduates with the skills and confidence to perform safely and effectively as a parachutist. Your experience allows you to connect with America’s WWII Airborne heritage.

On 14 April 2026, I once again jumped from the venerable C-47. My last jump from a C-47 was 17 February 1978 while serving in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. It was a blast! I made a second jump the next day and was surprised with ADT wings on the drop zone.

I highly encourage anyone with a desire to honor our WWII paratroopers to contact the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team. Enlist today!

RLTW!

CSM (Ret.) Michael Kelso