On June 6, 1944, forever on known as D-Day, the 82nd Airborne Division jumped into history as more than 12,000 All American glider and parachute infantry took part in the Airborne assault over Normandy, France. As they landed among the farmhouses and fields, they quickly realized they were not facing their enemy alone. French Patriots quickly came to their aid, often risking their lives to assist their would-be liberators. Under normal circumstances, the All American Division would be in France

The 82nd Airborne Division earned its nickname, “America’s Guard of Honor,” in World War II—and this footage shows exactly why. In January 1946, just seven days after disembarking the Queen Mary, following three years of warfighting against Nazi tyranny, the 82nd paratroopers marched through the streets of New York City: Disciplined. In step. In cadence. Sharp. Drilled. Heel-to-toe precision. A proud body moving as one. #AmericasGuardOfHonor #SloppyIsNotTradition #AATW #army250 | The History of

81 years ago today, paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division prepared to board their planes and fly into the night, toward Normandy — and into history. This powerful footage captures the tense final moments before they leapt into the fight for freedom on the Day of Days — D-Day. They paved the way for liberation. We honor their courage. 🇺🇸 #DDay #DayOfDays #82ndAirborne #Paratroopers #WWIIHistory | The History of the 82nd Airborne in World War II

82nd Airborne Division on Reels

WATCH: 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers performed airborne operations from a UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to 2-82 Aviation Regiment onto Holland Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Paratroopers are getting ready for the Best Ranger Competition who will represent the Division and compete next month at US Army Fort Benning April 7-9. | 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division

National Airborne Day The first official Army parachute jump was on August 16, 1940. This validated the insertion of U.S. ground forces behind enemy lines. In 2001, President George W. Bush designated August 16 as National Airborne Day. All Americans, may you always have fair winds and soft landings! #NationalAirborneDay #AATW #ThrowbackThursday | 82nd Airborne Division

Parachute Riggers from the 82nd Airborne Division jump from UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on August 5, 1999. | Red Falcon Historical Society