The 101st Airborne Division, famously known as the "Screaming Eagles," was activated on August 16, 1942, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. As one of the U.S. Army's elite airborne divisions during World War II, it became legendary for its role in multiple major operations. The division made its combat debut during the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, parachuting behind enemy lines to disrupt German defenses ahead of the amphibious landings. It later fought in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands and played a pivotal role in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The 101st's bravery and resilience during these campaigns earned it a permanent place in military history and popular culture.
Following World War II, the division was briefly inactivated and reactivated several times. It saw limited airborne operations during the Korean War, but the post-war years brought significant doctrinal changes. By the early 1960s, with advances in helicopter technology and changes in warfare, the Army designated the 101st as the first experimental "Airmobile" division. Officially reorganized as the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) in 1968, the unit deployed to Vietnam, where it pioneered large-scale helicopter assault tactics. The division played a crucial role in numerous major operations such as Operation Apache Snow (Hamburger Hill) and Operation Lam Son 719. The ability to insert troops rapidly by helicopter into remote or heavily defended terrain revolutionized infantry warfare and made the 101st a model for modern air mobility.
After Vietnam, the division continued to evolve, and by the mid-1970s it transitioned from the Airmobile to Air Assault designation, reflecting its refined doctrine and mission set. Today, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and remains the U.S. Army's only air assault division. Its specialized training at the Sabalauski Air Assault School emphasizes helicopter-borne operations, sling load procedures, and rapid insertion techniques. The division has deployed extensively in modern conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, continuing its tradition of being among the first to deploy and the last to leave.
From the hedgerows of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, the 101st Airborne Division has continuously adapted to the evolving battlefield while maintaining its reputation for combat excellence, speed, and precision. Its legacy reflects both its airborne heritage and its role at the forefront of modern air assault operations.