WASHINGTON, D.C. – It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Pioneer African American Military Smokejumper/Paratrooper and President of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion Alumni Association Joe Murchison passed away in Florida at Age 91, on Thursday, Nov. 11th, Veterans' Day.

It takes courage, valiancy and leadership to serve in our nation’s military. Additionally, it also takes guts to jump out of airplanes to put out forest fires. These circumstances are even more harrowing when such events also took place during a tumultuous time on the West Coast in the midst of World War II and as part of a segregated society.

However, Murchison was up for the challenge and did just that as he founded and led the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known to many as the Triple Nickles.

Murchison was born on June 19th, 1930, sharing his birthday with the observance of Juneteenth, a significant moment in history for African Americans and our Nation with regards to the ending of slavery.

Over the years, Murchison was honored several times at the USDA Forest Service National Headquarters’ Yates Building, at the Pentagon, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and  at many Army military bases, where over a dozen of monuments and memorials have been erected to  commemorate the Triple Nickles legacy. Furthermore, Murchison never missed the annual Triple Nickles’ Association reunions, which were held in a different city each year.

Sharon Murchison, his wife of 33 years and constant companion and caregiver, is still the executive secretary of the Triple Nickles’ Association. Murchinson was the proud father of 11 children, to include 8 girls and 3 boys, 19 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life and will send the details as soon as the plans are finalized.

Joe Murchison may be gone from this earth, but his legacy and that of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion will live on forever.

In the words of the Triple Nickles “Airborne Out…All the Way.”

Contributions can be sent to:

The Joseph Murchison Memorial Fund

PO Box 263127

Tampa, Florida 33685-3127