On December 22, 1944, 35 Paratroopers from 1st Platoon, Company D, 511th PIR, 11th Airborne Division found themselves engaged with over 150 Japanese soldiers on the island of Leyte. 

When the platoon became pinned down, PFC John "Bad Soldier" Bittorie yelled at the enemy before firing two longs bursts from his Browning machine gun. John then charged the Japanese, inspiring his fellow Angels to "perform a Banzai charge of their own"! 

Discover the full story of the 11th Airborne's Rats Ass Charge that broke through the enemy's last lines of resistance on Leyte and allowed the Angels to reach friendly lines, just in time for Christmas of 1944.  

To learn more about the 511th PIR in World War II, visit www.511pir.com

To purchase 11th Airborne Division gifts and signed copies of our books on the Angels, please visit www.11thairbornestore.com today! 

Down From Heaven Comes Eleven! Airborne All the Way!

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For more information, visit www.511pir.com or www.11thairborne.com today, or you can email jeremy at [email protected].

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Down From Heaven Comes Eleven! Airborne All the Way!