Jumping in Panama - 1980

[Doogie320]

Tracy, colmurph, anyone remember this? I got it from http://parachutehistory.com

Quite a story. Anyone know these guys?

MOVING TARGET ACCURACY: Sometime during 1980, Frank Norbury
Jr, D-6216, made a 5,500 foot demonstration jump over
Gamboa, Panama from an UH1D helicopter with Bob Fry. The
two broke off at 3,500 feet and deployed by 2,500 feet.
Under canopy, Frank spotted a tanker in the canal moving
toward the San Miquel Locks at about 8 knots. Frank took
the opportunity to practice his moving target accuracy.
He made a tippy toe landing under a ramair, much to the
surprise of the captain and crew of the SS Washington
Trader. Frank received a verbal reprimand and a
congratulatory handshake out of sight from the 7th
Special Forces.


BTAR

[ALIWICIOUS]

The name sounds familar. I spent some time in 7th GRP and some of that time was in Panama, but in the late 90s. I know of Bob Fry and he was spoke of well inside GRP. I had heard this story from the "Old Skygods". I never questioned it as it was pretty funny when told by the "Skygods". I think I had heard it was a Russian Tanker one time though. I'll ask around this weekend. Im linking up with the Panama Mafia at Bragg.

[ALIWICIOUS]

I Talked to a guy at Bragg this weekend and he confirmed that the MFF jump onto the boat in the Canal did happen. He also confirmed that it was a Russian tanker.

[Doogie320]

Cool. I know a guy that was with the 101st demo team in the 80's and he told of jumping onto barges, tractor trailer flatbeds, stages, etc. All were stationary objects and that was the pre-planned goal.

Good to see that the story checks out. Thank you.

D-20712
BTAR

[Sinister Dave]

COL Fry eventually commanded 3/7, I believe, and went on to the Colombia MILGROUP (?).

Frank Norbury Junior made the jump on the ship transiting the canal. He was busted a stripe but made it back. He taught me my job as a Military Free Fall Instructor (along with 22 of the best guys in the Army as MFFIs on the Committee at the time).

SGM (retired) Frank Sr. was the jumpmaster for the first Vietnam combat MFF jump. He died on duty as an MFF Instructor and is buried at Arlington.

Frank Jr. retired as a Master Sergeant out of 1st Group.

[Doogie320]

Wow. Thank you for that, SD. Blue Skies to SGM Norbury.

[Just Another Guy]

Frank did not lose a stripe for that action. The Bn Cdr did exactly as described, verbal reprimand and, literally, "under the table" handshake. I was in 3/7 at the time and made some demos with the Jumping Ambassadors, but was not at the jump meet, also heard it was a Russian ship. Frank, Jr, like his Dad, is/was a helluva soldier.

[Sinister Dave]

Hooah.

[Sharky]

Was Norbury a FIST guy at A/3/75 late 80's?

[Sinister Dave]

No, Frank was an SF Baby. Went to Ranger School as a Spec 4 (late 70's - early 80s).

[colt1rgr]

I remember SGM Norbury from MFF school, May 88. Man was very impressive, honor just to be in his presence, specially since I was cherry right outta RS. My instructor was "JC Cooper", another SF legend. When your a young stud you don't appreciate the men that are molding your future have been there and done that. Bless 'em!

[USP455]

Sharky, you might be thinking of Newberry.

NSDQ, DE OPPRESSO LIBER
BT
BTAR

[airox8]

COL Fry eventually commanded 3/7, I believe, and went on to the Colombia MILGROUP (?).

Frank Norbury Junior made the jump on the ship transiting the canal. He was busted a stripe but made it back. He taught me my job as a Military Free Fall Instructor (along with 22 of the best guys in the Army as MFFIs on the Committee at the time).

SGM (retired) Frank Sr. was the jumpmaster for the first Vietnam combat MFF jump. He died on duty as an MFF Instructor and is buried at Arlington.

Frank Jr. retired as a Master Sergeant out of 1st Group.


I was there the day he died. The next day his son led us out on a Wild Geese jump.