About National Airborne Day
National Airborne Day is observed on August 16th every year to honor the U.S. Army's elite airborne troops and celebrate all their accomplishments.
National Airborne Day commemorates the first official Army parachute jump on August 16th 1940, which soon led to the formation of the U.S. Army Airborne Units.
In 2002, President George W. Bush established National Airborne Day to commemorate these "foundational efforts."
"Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers," President Bush said in the Proclamation. "Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor."
And since those early days, airborne troops have proven themselves in various missions.
"During World War II, Airborne tactics were critical to the success of important missions, including the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the invasion of Southern France, and many others," President Bush noted. "In Korea and Vietnam, Airborne soldiers played a critical combat role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans."
Did you know?
During the second world war, British airborne troops also carried German Shepherds called "para-dogs," who had missions like guarding or clearing mines.
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