Happy Birthday 82nd Airborne
I would personally like to wish a happy birthday to one of the most historic and decorated units in our Armed Forces. The 82nd Airborne’s motto of “death from above” is extremely fitting for the only infantry unit that continues to stand ready to drop into enemy territory via parachute. Let us all think about the type of soldier that it takes to do this for a moment. The first thing to realize is that all of them are willing to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. That sounds crazy enough right, but the second thing is that they don’t train to drop into some secure drop zone somewhere, they actually train to drop into enemy controlled territory and bring the fight from above.
This light infantry units training is rigorous, and the unit is located in FT Bragg, NC. They all must attend airborne training in FT Benning, GA to be qualified for their tasks. This school is a grueling 3 week course that will test the soles of your boots as well as your patience. One you have graduating and make it to FT Bragg you must jump at least once every 3 months to maintain your airborne status and these jumps take a toll on the body. There are plenty of soldiers with busted knees and backs due to the impact of all the jumps performed throughout a career. I have witnessed soldiers who have literally lost inches in their height presumably due to the compression of their spine throughout their careers. They do all of this to stay sharp and call themselves a member of the prestigious 82nd Airborne division.
The units nickname of the All American division is displayed on the flag as well as the unit patch that is proudly displayed by the soldiers who have deployed and served under them, as well as the current members of the unit. What many of those soldiers may not be aware of is that in the early days of the unit’s operations there were two distinctly different airborne soldiers. The first type were the traditional airborne soldiers of today who provide death from above, but another group of soldiers dropped in via military glider, and they had a distinctly different badge that was worn for this skill. The unit no longer has gliders but a photo of this distinctive badge can be seen below.
The unit has had many important leaders including General Omar Bradley throughout the years that have not only shaped the unit itself but have also shaped our Army and our military as a whole. They performed in exemplary fashion numerous times during WWII, and in all of the US Army’s conflicts that followed. They have a rich history and tradition that distinguishes them from other units in the Army. On this day I would like to recognize that distinction and wish them a very happy birthday. Current and former members may be interested in the coin below.
