82nd Airborne

• The 82nd Airborne Division was formed in 1917 during World War I as the 82nd Division, but didn't become an airborne unit until 1942. • The "All American" nickname of the 82nd Airborne Division was given by the division's first commander, Major General Matthew B. Ridgway, who declared that the division contains "All American" soldiers from all 48 states at the time. • During World War II, the 82nd Airborne Division played a crucial role in the invasion of Sicily, fighting in Operation Husky, and later participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. • The 82nd Airborne Division also saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge, where they held the critical town of Bastogne during the German offensive in December 1944. • After World War II, the 82nd Airborne Division was involved in various operations, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. • In 1989, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division were among the first US forces sent to Panama during Operation Just Cause, which resulted in the capture of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. • The 82nd Airborne Division played a significant role in the Global War on Terrorism, serving multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan since the attacks of September 11, 2001. • One of the most famous units of the 82nd Airborne Division is the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, known as the "Panthers," which has a long history of combat operations dating back to World War II. • The 82nd Airborne Division is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and is part of the XVIII Airborne Corps. • The 82nd Airborne Division has received numerous awards for its service, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the French Croix de Guerre, and the Belgian Fourragere among others.