Nadzab, 1943 -- The 503rd

503rd Jump at Nadzab, 1943

On this day in Pacific history, in 1943, the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment fly, jump, land and occupy Nazdab, just east of Lae, a port city in northeastern Papua New Guinea.

New Guinea had been occupied by the Niponese since March 1942. Raids by Allied forces early on were met with tremendous ferocity, and they were often beaten back by the Japanese imperialist occupiers. Much of the Allied response was led by forces from Australia.


Find more here.