Attention to Orders:
The Supreme Jumpmaster has seen fit to manifest Ranger Small, Wheeler S. for his final jump.
On Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Sergeant Wheeler S. Small, Jr., entered into eternal rest.
Ranger Small volunteered for Ranger Training in 1950, while assigned to 3rd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
Ranger Small graduated with 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) and was soon thereafter headed for combat during the Korean War.
Wheeler participated in the first ever Airborne Ranger combat parachute jump on 23 March 1951 at Munsan Ni and proved his worth as a Ranger while fighting on hill 581.
After the deactivation of the Korean War Ranger Companies, Wheeler was assigned to the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in Japan.
Ranger Small left the Army a tour of duty in Germany with 4th Infantry Division. He was a Life Member of the 82nd Airborne Division Assn., Life Member of the 505th PIR "Panther" Assn and a Life Member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion Assn. And he was very active with each organization.
It is with a heavy heart that I repeat Ranger Wheeler S. Small Jr, last Commands:
"Get Ready"
"Stand Up"
"Hook Up"
"Check Static Line"
"Check Equipment"
"Sound off for Equipment Check"
{ Supreme Jumpmaster, Ranger Wheeler S. Small Jr. is All OK }
"Stand in the Door"
"Green Light GO!!!
Ranger Small was a true Warrior and he blazed many paths during his life time. He was more than a Friend to me, he was more of a Dad.
He now rejoins his former Rangers that have already gathered on Heaven's Drop Zone. I imagine that once Wheeler does a pass and review of his fellow Rangers and assumes his post at the gates.
The demons in hell will shutter with fear.
Rest in Peace Snake Eater!!!
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https://lowcountrymortuary.com/obituaries/sgt-wheeler-samuel-small-jr/
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Born April 05, 1931 in Sumter, South Carolina, Sergeant Wheeler S. Small, Jr., moved to New York City, New York, at a very early age.
In April of 1950, at age seventeen, Wheeler Small volunteered for the United States Army. After completing training, at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia for Elite Parachute School. Upon, completion of Parachute School, Sergeant Wheeler Small, Jr. was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 505th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division.
He volunteered for Ranger Training, and graduated in the first Black Class of Airborne Rangers in November of 1950. The company was assigned to the 7th Division. The First assignment was as security for an Aid Station.
Trooper Small was one of the first 2 Wounded(one was killed). He was evacuated to a hospital in Japan for two months.
Sergeant Small was then deployed to Korea with the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company(Airborne)in December, 1950. On March 23, 1951, he made the parachute combat jump at Munson-Ni, during Operation Tomahawk.
Sergeant Small is the recipient of the following prestigious Medals:
- Purple Heart,
- Army of Defense Service Medal,
- Army of Occupation Medal,
- Korean Service Medal,
- four Bronze Stars,
- Arrowhead,
- United Nations Medal,
- Master Parachutist Badge,
- Combat Infantryman Badge,
- Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
Sgt. Wheeler Small, Jr. was honorably discharged from the military in November of 1954 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. He worked in a men's clothing store in New York City as a salesman, fitter and buyer, and went on to retire as the store manager.
Trooper Wheeler S. Small, Jr. and his wife Dr. Ernestine (Tina)Barnes-Small, retired in Charleston, South Carolina. He remained very active with the 82nd Airborne where he served twelve years as the Treasurer for the 505th Panther Association; and he also served twenty years as National Treasurer for the 555th Paratroop Infantry Association(The Triple Nickles-The First Black Paratroopers).
On Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Sergeant Wheeler S. Small, Jr., entered into eternal rest.
