82nd Infantry

• Origins in World War I: The 82nd Infantry Division was constituted in the National Army on August 5, 1917, during World War I, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. • Nickname "All American": The division earned its famous nickname because its initial soldiers came from all 48 states, symbolizing unity and national representation. • Distinguished in World War I: The 82nd saw major action in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives, gaining a reputation for tenacity and courage. • Famous Alumni: Sergeant Alvin York of the 82nd Infantry became one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I, awarded the Medal of Honor for single-handedly capturing 132 German soldiers. • Reactivation for World War II: The unit was reactivated in March 1942 and became the first airborne division of the U.S. Army, redesignated as the 82nd Airborne Division in August 1942. • Key Role in D-Day: On June 6, 1944, the 82nd Airborne Division parachuted into Normandy, France, as part of Operation Overlord, significantly contributing to the Allied success on D-Day. • Battle of the Bulge: The division played a crucial defensive role in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge, helping to halt the German advance. • Post-War Deployments: The 82nd Infantry (later Airborne) has been involved in major U.S. operations, including the Dominican Republic (1965), Grenada (1983), Panama (1989), and the Gulf War (1991). • Rapid Deployment Force: The division is known as "America's Guard of Honor" and is capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours, making it a cornerstone of U.S. rapid response strategy. • Modern Legacy: The 82nd continues to serve with distinction, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, and remains a symbol of American military excellence and readiness.