18th Airborne

U.S. Army•169 members

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Branch

U.S. Army

Members

169

About 18th Airborne

The 18th Airborne Corps is a prominent formation of the United States Army, originally activated in 1942 during World War II. It played a significant role in major operations such as the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Market Garden. Post-World War II, the corps has served as a rapid deployment and contingency force, participating in conflicts including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the 18th Airborne Corps remains headquartered at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and continues to serve as America's strategic force, ready for global deployment at a moment's notice.

Unit Members

James Lancaster

U.S. Army (1992-2020)

18th AirborneView Profile

Douglas M Gregory

U.S. Army

18th AirborneView Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps

Diamond Head from USN F9F-5

U.S. Navy • 1957

NAS Barber's Point, HI. from USN F9F-5

U.S. Navy • 1957

About 18th Airborne

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Formation: The 18th Airborne Corps was first activated during World War II on 17 January 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. • Nickname: The Corps is often referred to as "America's Contingency Corps," highlighting its rapid deployment capability. • D-Day and Beyond: While the 18th Airborne Corps itself did not jump into Normandy, its subordinate units, such as the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, played pivotal roles in D-Day. • Battle of the Bulge: The Corps was heavily involved in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stop the German offensive during winter 1944-45. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the Corps was a key quick-reaction force, tasked with deploying anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. • Operation Urgent Fury: Elements of the 18th Airborne Corps participated in the 1983 invasion of Grenada, securing the island in a matter of days. • Desert Storm: The Corps commanded the largest American ground force ever assembled during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, including the famous "left hook" maneuver. • Humanitarian Missions: The Corps has also conducted humanitarian missions, such as Operation Provide Comfort in Northern Iraq to assist Kurdish refugees after the Gulf War. • Distinctive Patch: The 18th Airborne Corps patch features a dragon on a blue background, symbolizing vigilance and strength. • Modern Deployments: The Corps has played a significant role in recent conflicts, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.