101ST AIRBORN

WHO

• Most well known airborn division of WW2
• Activated in 1942 in fort Claiborne, Louisiana
• First commander was Major general William C Lee
• Had no history but a " rendezvous with destiny"

WHAT?

• Airborne are soldiers that jump out of planes,usually behind enemy lines
• The correct term is "paratroopers"
• By 1922 a parachute was a required part of a pilots uniform
• After the Germans began invading, the U.S formed its own airborne units
• Said to be the best of the best when it came to soldiers

WHERE

• Participated in many major battles
• First deployment was during D-Day
• After being dropped into Normandy many were lost
• Easy company is famous for destroying the artillery during D-Day
• Easy company is most well known of the companies

WHERE

• Next they were deployed to holland during operation market garden
• Easy company and the 101st liberated Eindhoven
• Overall operation was a disaster and the 101st was releaved
• After little rest the 101st was put on the frontline during the battle of the bulge
• Eventually captured hitler's famous eagles nest

WHY

• The general goal of the airborne is to parachute behind enemy lines
• Once behind enemy lines they capture strategic points such as bridges
• During WW2 they played a pivotal role in the European theatre
• Their deployment was silent and could happen anywhere

WHEN

• First deployed during D-Day
• Participated in market garden
• Held of the Germans in the Ardennes
• Held the line in the battle of the bulge
• Captured Hitler's eagles nest

I chose this topic because it intrigued me. Also since the motto of the 101st was that they were the best I wanted to see for my self if they were the best.