The US military saw the success of German paratroopers in 1940, and quickly set about creating its own elite airborne units. US paratroopers jumped on Sicily in Operation Husky in 1943, and dropped into Normandy during the D-Day invasion in 1944. Squad leaders like officers and NCOs were allowed leeway in their choice of weaponry, leading many to carry the Thompson SMG for its rugged reliability. It quickly became part of the paratrooper mystique, and a symbol of those "devils in baggy pants". This US Army WW2 D-DAY PARATROOPER AIRBORNE THOMPSON SMG 5 CELL KHAKI AMMO POUCH is in good condition, with a frayed tear in the bottom right edge, a small nick in the second from left front pocket flap, some whitish and brownish spot soiling at the upper right front pocket flaps, some verdigris patina to the "male" lift-the-dot front closures, and with some scattered age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the pouch is in fine shape, with no other damage to the tough khaki canvas construction. Most interestingly, it boasts 5 fully functional darkened brass "lift-the-dot" closure front pockets, sports a fully intact back belt slide, and is unmarked as to its maker or date. A fine example of a rare, original US Army WW2 D-DAY PARATROOPER AIRBORNE THOMPSON SMG 5 CELL KHAKI AMMO POUCH. We have shown a photo of 101st Airborne pathfinders one day before the Normandy jump; 5 similar Thompson ammo pouches are clearly visible. Image courtesy of the excellent reference book "Heroes In Our Midst" Volume 2, a copy of which we offer under a separate listing. Now celebrating over 15 years on eBay. Bid with confidence and please view our other great military and aviation classics, including a US Army AAF WW2 EASTMAN PILOT A-2 SEAL BROWN HORSEHIDE LEATHER FLIGHT JACKET in MINT, unworn, new with tags condition, boasting a snap down collar, and sporting a fully functional "CROWN" spring loaded metal front zipper.