Just how did the U.S. Army even get the idea of soldiers jumping out of airplanes?

The General William C. Lee Airborne Museum in Dunn reveals this answer and much more. As a peacetime observer in Germany, William Lee followed Adolf Hitler’s development of Germany’s airborne forces. When he returned to America, he pushed hard for the U.S. to begin a parachuting program. He appeared to be the only enthusiast for this risky venture and was finally ordered by an angry colonel not to say another word about it.

However, eventually President Franklin Roosevelt talked with Major Lee. Impressed, President Roosevelt ordered airborne planning and training to begin immediately.

At the museum you can learn about the innovative general, the U.S. Army Airborne, glider planes and what life was life before World War II. You also can enjoy visuals of historic meetings and see letters and cards signed by leaders and officials from across the world.

• Airborne museum:
  (910) 892-1947 or generalleeairbornemuseum.org
• Nearby are the Averasboro Civil War Battlefield & Museum and Coats Cotton Museum
• Dunn/Harnett County attractions: (910) 892-3282 or dunntourism.org