an anyone shed and light on this picture (http://www.ww2-airborne.us/units/504/504images/troopers/c/misc/504pathfinders_cosimo_sicil.jpg) Photo of the 504th PIR Pathfinders circa October 1943 at Cosimo Sicily. The image is form this web site - http://www.ww2-airborne.us/units/504/504.html The main parachutes appear to have ripcord handles and not static-lines… an early experiment in freefalling?