Paratrooper's boots return to Fort Bragg

A pair of jump boots belonging to the late 2nd Lt. Frederick G. Humphrey, a World War II paratrooper, was undraped at Fort Bragg during All American week.

Humphrey was killed in action on September 21, 1944 south of Beek, Holland, by machine gun fire during Operation Market Garden. A Dutch Family found the jump boots belonging to him, near the hospital were he died, and the boots have been in their possession for nearly 74 years.

On May 22nd a ceremony took place at the headquarters for 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where the boots were displayed.

“I was contacted by some folks in Holland who specialize in identification and returning of Second World War artifacts either to American Army units or to the next of kin or identify Family members of those falling paratroopers,” said Sgt Maj. Steve Newmen operations Sgt. Maj. of 3rd brigade combat team 82nd airborne division.

“ I made the coordinates to travel to Holland where I received the jump boots at the American Embassy and transported them to back here to the 508.”

The Family (who discovered the boots) attempted to locate any Family members of Humphrey’s but were not successful.

“The majority of his Family is no longer living, so we are his Family,” said Newmen.

The boots can be found on display at the 508 unit along with other history artifacts.

“I previously served as the operations Sgt. Maj. of the 508, so I had an invested interest in the regiment, and I had started when I got here over two year ago to build up the historical aspect of the collection, and this is just another addition to our historical memorabilia that’s on display,” said Newman.

In May 1943, Humphrey was admitted to Officers Candidate School at Fort Bragg, NC. He also has military decorations include the Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge, both awarded posthumously.