National Airborne Day - Death From Above
On August 14, 2002 President George W. Bush issued the following proclamation:
The history of airborne forces began after World War I , when Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived the idea of parachuting troops into combat. Eventually, under the leadership of Major William Lee at Fort Benning , Georgia, members of the Parachute Test Platoon pioneered methods of combat jumping in 1940. In November 1942, members of the 2nd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, conducted America's first combat jump, leaping from a C-47 aircraft behind enemy lines in North Africa. This strategy revolutionized combat and established airborne forces as a key component of our military.
During World War II , airborne tactics were critical to the success of important missions, including the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge , the invasion of Southern France, and many others. In Korea and Vietnam, airborne soldiers played a critical combat role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm , Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans. Most recently, airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Taliban regime; and these soldiers continue to serve proudly around the world in the global coalition against terrorism.
The elite airborne ranks include prestigious groups such as the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, "Sky Soldiers," 82nd Airborne Division, "All American," and the "Screaming Eagles" of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Airborne forces have also been represented in the former 11th, 13th, and 17th Airborne Divisions and numerous other Airborne, glider and air assault units and regiments. Paratroopers in the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps, the 75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment and other Special Forces units conduct swift and effective operations in defense of peace and freedom.
Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers. Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor. As we face the challenges of a new era, I encourage all people to recognize the contributions of these courageous soldiers to our Nation and the world.
Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 16, 2002, as National Airborne Day. As we commemorate the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, I encourage all Americans to join me in honoring the thousands of soldiers, past and present, who have served in an airborne capacity. I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
George W. Bush
On August 3, 2009 the Senate recognized National Airborne Day with Senate Resolution 235.
National Airborne Day 2017
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Airborne All The Way....
If I may Sharpshooter I would like to mention my cousin, KIA December 24th 1944. Battle of the Bulge, 101st Airborne. 506th PIR...Currahee
Band Of Brothers.
RIP Kavika cousin.
I have always had a great respect for the Paratroopers. They always faced the added risk of being killed by the enemy as they fell from the skies.
Thank you both for your service. (smile)
Great article.
Congratulations.
Thank you!
"Now why would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane"?
Because it's there?
I want to jump out of a plane. But since I'm a chicken I will most likely have to have a guy strapped to my back in order for me to actually go through with it. hahahaha
At one of the bases I was at C 130s etc would come in for Army guys to load up and make a jump nearby. Just a standing joke we would ask them.
"Now why would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane"?
They haven’t made a "perfectly good” airplane yet.
"Now why would anyone want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane"?
Apparently the person who ask that question had never ridden in a C-130
Apparently the person who ask that question had never ridden in a C-130
And they have never made a perfectly good parachute either!
Road in many!
And they have never made a perfectly good parachute either!
And they have never made a perfectly good parachute either!
True story! I can only imagine the pucker factor on this guy when he was caught off guard.
Or this guy
Indeed!
I live on Fort Bragg. Today there is A LOT of activity going on in celebration of the elite forces of the 82nd Airborne and US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).