In October 1983, the U.S. intervened militarily to prevent a Marxist government from taking hold on the island of Grenada and also to "rescue" American students at a Grenadian medical school. When the Rangers parachuted on the Point Salines Airport they jumped without their reserve parachutes due to the low altitude from which they were dropped.
The first Rangers to land started up bulldozers and began to clear the runways for the incoming 82nd Airborne Division. Other Rangers moved against Cuban positions which were as close as 400 yards from the drop zone.
Rangers units at this time were still wearing the Vietnam era hot weather fatigues, unlike other Marines and airborne units that had already switched over to the woodland pattern BDU. Another transitional item was the helmet. The 82nd Airborne and some Marine units were issued the new Kevlar helmet. The Rangers used the M1 helmet in Grenada. |
