Getting into proper fighting spirit for the jump, U.S. Paratroopers of the 507th Regiment shave their heads to leave only an Indian-style scalp lock; There were other comradely rituals: All the paratroopers on Capa's plane leaped out of the open door yelling not the traditional "Geronimo" but "Umbriago"- a corruption of the Italian word for "drunk." (scanned by HOS Bandit)

Umbriago

A Paratrooper from the 507th P.I.R., 17th Airborne Division, allows combat photographer Robert Capa to snap this shot, moments before boarding a transport plane that is taking part in Operation Varsity, a combined American/British drop to establish a bridgehead across the Rhine, near the town of Wesel Germany. Capa actually jumped with the 507th, and took some of the Wars best Air-Drop photos. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

Operation Varsity

Paratroopers of the 507th PIR, sit lost in thought during the three hour flight to their drop zone. (scanned by HOS Bandit)