Monuments to mark site of first parachute jump in 1912

JEFFERSON BARRACKS – The dedication of two monuments at the site of the first parachute jump from an airplane that took place March 1, 1912, at Jefferson Barracks will be held Friday, March 1 on the 101st anniversary of the event.

According to event coordinators, plans for Friday’s double dedication began following last year’s centennial observance as a project of local veterans who served in five famous U.S. Army Airborne units.

On last year’s 100th anniversary recognition, 82-year-old Lewis Sanborn of Imperial, a master parachutist with more than 7,300 jumps to his credit, jumped out of a plane over the west parade field at Jefferson Barracks to mark the 100th anniversary of the first parachute descent from an airplane.

The original jump was accomplished when Capt. Albert Berry successfully jumped from a 1912 Benoist Type 12 “pusher” biplane designed by Irondale native Thomas Benoist (Ben-wah) and piloted by Anthony Jannus. While Jannus flew the plane, Berry parachuted from a crude cone that held the parachute. It’s said that the parachute didn’t open for at least 500 feet into the jump — an experience that seemed to cause Berry a little bit of consternation until the chute made its belated appearance. Once on the ground; however, the first parachutist from an airplane seemed nonchalant about the entire incident.

At the 2012 event the Jefferson Barracks Historic Preservation Office led the anniversary observance. Jefferson Barracks Post Commander Col. David W. Newman hosted, along with displays by the 82nd Airborne and the 101st Airborne. The program also featured Benoist’s nephew, Charles “Chuck” Benoist of rural Bonne Terre, who spoke briefly prior to the jump. Current Post Commander of the Missouri Air National Guard, Col. Richard L. Chapman Jr., will host this year’s ceremonies, supported by members of the five U.S. Army Airborne units.

“I received the invitation to attend this year’s dedication of the two monuments and I’m making plans to attend,” said Benoist. “It sounds like it’s going to be a nice addition to last year’s recognition of the 100th anniversary of the first jump.”

The historic pedestal marker and granite tribute stone will be dedicated at noon by members of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, 173rd Airborne, 187th Airborne and the Special Forces (Airborne). The monuments have been funded by donations from local veteran groups, sale of a commemorative poster, individual gifts and corporate contributions.

Local, national and military dignitaries will participate in the ceremonies. The program has been planned for the green which faces the main gate and post parade ground. An honor guard, military band, refreshments, dedication comments and another celebratory jump are planned. There will also be mementos for children who attend.

The Jefferson Barracks Military Post is located on the Mississippi River at Lemay, Missouri, south of St. Louis. It was an important and highly active U.S. Army installation from 1826 through 1946, and is the oldest operating U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River. It is now used as a base for the Army and Air National Guard.

Kevin Jenkins is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or kjenkins@dailyjournalonline.com