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ABOUT 18th Airborne
- 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.