I was born in The Netherlands on August 31, 1967 in a small village on the River Meuse near Maastricht . At an early age I came in touch with WWII through many classic “old” war movies. On weekends I spent many hours touring around with my family in the close-by Ardennes area.

Over the course of time I came across many of the historical sites around where I lived and my passion for the past was further increased by gaining knowledge of the facts about the historical events that took place at those sites. Moments that stand out in my mind especially were when my parents took us to visit the American military cemeteries Margraten and Henri Chapelle. More books were bought, more WWII movies were watched and more historical facts were researched first hand.

Also thanks to Don van de Bogert, my knowledge and development with regards to WWII increased in pace. Through Don and with help from movies like ‘Band of Brothers' and ‘Saving Private Ryan', I developed a special interest for WWII US Paratroopers. While this has become a “way of life” for me, there is still the same tingle in my blood as when I heard the words “ US paratrooper” for the first time!

I have since gathered a lot of information and have met many interesting people, all connected to ‘my world' in one way or another. Together with other enlisted men of Band of Brothers as well as with extra support from Don van de Bogert, I have taken over Don's original web site. Along with Johan van Waart and Jos Bex, we established the US Paratrooper Society.

We will continue to focus on WWII research, education and organizing many interesting events, the reports of which you will be able to read on this site.  

I would like to give special thanks to Don van de Bogert and all others who have helped me with this fantastic hobby over the course of the past few years. Support is growing by the day and many friends have joined our club, as we are all part of this “Band of Brothers”.

Ronald standing for a C-47

Ronald if "marksman"

Standing for the "small wall tent"