Waldrup had the opportunity to meet Martin at his 100th Birthday Jumpfest and immediately connected with him. After the fest, she had the privilege to spend a day with him listening to him telling stories about his life and sacrifice. That day, Waldrup co-penned the song “Normandy,” with Martin and Hunter Jergens.
“Jim Martin changed my perspective on life on March 18, 2021 when I got to sit with him at his home in Ohio and listen to war stories about WW2 and his life,” explains Waldrup. “My time with him was short, but I cherished each moment of knowing him. He showed me to view life from a wider lens,” Waldrup continues. “He is a true American Hero (even though he says he isn’t) and was a sweet friend to me. I admire Jim’s patriotism, faithfulness and dedication to family, community and our country. It was an honor of a lifetime to perform at his services. This is a memory that will stay with me forever.”
The heartfelt tribute was released in June to honor of the 78th anniversary of D-Day. It was also re-mastered and included as bonus track on Waldrup’s new album Kendall County Road.
Listen here.
Martin’s memorial services included both a graveside service and Celebration of Life that featured a traditional 21 Gun Salute, paratroopers and a 30 mile procession from Sugarcreek Township to his final resting place at Dayton National Cemetery where crowds lined the streets to honor the him.
Watch the memorial service here. Watch the tribute video here.
Martin’s family is raising funds to build a statue in his honor in his hometown. More information here. There will also be a press button at the statue where “Normandy” will play.
About Jim Pee Wee Martin: One of Colonel Sink’s original “Toccoa Men,” Jim Martin joined the now famous 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Camp Toccoa in July 1942. He was soon given the nickname “Pee Wee” due to being the lightest man in the regiment. He accepted the moniker as a badge of respect. After completing their initial training at Camp Toccoa, the 506th moved to Ft. Benning for ump training and then on to Camp Mackall for further training.
Jim Martin parachuted into Normandy 12:30 am on June 6, 144. “Pee Wee” Martin fought in the Normandy campaign for thirty-three days until the 101st Airborne was relieved and returned to England in July.
On September 17, 1944, the 101st Airborne Division jumped into Holland in the leading wave of “Operation Market Garden.” Jim Martin landed near the town of Son. G Company fought to secure “Hell’s Highway” during this ill-fated operation. The 506th PIR was then sent to Mourmelon, France in November after more than sixty days of fighting in Holland.
After participating in operations in Germany early in 1945 the 101st Airborne Division ended their way by occupying Adolph Hitler’s mountain home in Berchtesgaden, Bavari in April 1945.
At this point, Jim “Pee Wee” Martin is one of the last remaining “Toccoa Originals” of 1942 (made famous by the HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers”) who is still meeting the public and carrying forward an eyewitness account of his unit’s experience. He does so as a representative of the veterans of the 101st Airborne Division who are no longer here and to promote and preserve the legacy and lessons of The Second World War.