The 5SSth Parachute Infantry Battalion or the "Triple Nickel" as they were called was the first African American Parachute Infantry test platoon, company, and Battalion. They were pioneers because they were the first African-American soldiers commanded by African American officers. The "Triple Nickels" served in more airborne units in peacetime and wartime than any other parachute group in history. Also, they formed during a time of complete segregation, and were the 1st group of men to jump from a C46 aircraft. They were also the first and only unit to perform a combat jump during the Korean War. The Triple Nickel broke racial barriers and challenged old ways of thinking. They paved the way for military and civilian society. In 1944, African American paratroopers had to sit in the back of the bus, and were not allowed to serve in elite units....

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