82nd Airborne Division Historical Society

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82nd Airborne Division Historical Society

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DOD does not endorse The 82d Airborne Division Historical Society. This page is where you will find 82d History info
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This is a non-federal It is not a It is not a part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and has no governmental status. The 82d Airborne Division was the first World War II combat division to establish its own museum dedicated to the telling of its history. The collection of the museum's artifacts began in 1945 in postwar Germany under the guidance of Major General James M. Gavin while the division performed occupation duty in Berlin. Upon the return of the division to Fort Bragg in 1946, a wooden building located on Butner Road was used as a museum to house all of the artifacts collected. In March of 1956, the 82d Airborne Division Historical Society was formally organized. One of its principle missions was to raise money to build a more permanent and modern museum building. Funding for the project came from sales of lifetime Historical Society memberships to current and past members of the 82d Airborne Division, the local business community, the 82d Airborne Division Association, and private donations. The new building, located on Ardennes Street, was dedicated in January of 1957. Since that time, there have been four major additions to the building: an exhibit wing (1967); new administrative space and theater (1980); gift shop expansion and an updated, larger theater (1992); and a research center (1999).

17/09/2026

ON THIS DAY: 17 SEPTEMBER 1944

Under clear, sunny skies, the "All Americans" of the 82nd Airborne Division descended into history, executing their fourth and final combat jump of World War II as part of Operation Market Garden!

Landing behind enemy lines in the German-occupied Netherlands, First Allied Airborne Army tasked the 82d with an incredibly daunting mission: seize and hold crucial bridges over the Maas and Waal Rivers and capture the Groesbeek Heights to clear the way for Allied armor.

Facing intense resistance and deep isolation, the courage of the 82nd Airborne secured vital crossings—including the legendary Grave bridge—writing another chapter of unmatched valor and sacrifice in the liberation of Europe.

Today, we salute the bravery of the paratroopers who took the leap on that fateful afternoon and fought tirelessly for freedom. Airborne All the Way!

16/09/2026

ON THIS DAY IN 1994: The Combat Jump That Almost Was! 🇭🇹

Imagine being strapped into combat-rigged planes, flying over the ocean, locked, loaded, and minutes away from leaping into a hostile drop zone—only to be turned around in mid-air!

On 16 September 1994, 82d Airborne Division paratroopers were on the brink of conducting a massive night combat jump into Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as part of Operation Uphold Democracy. Their mission was to oust a military dictator and restore the democratically elected president.

With more than one hundred planes already in flight or idling on the tarmac, a high-level diplomatic delegation led by Jimmy Carter, Colin Powell, and Sam Nunn succeeded in negotiating the dictator's surrender at the absolute last second.

The President ordered fleet of transport planes to turn around mid-air, highlighting the unmatched speed and terrifying reality of the All-American division's global readiness. Whether jumping into combat or forcing peace through pure presence, the 82d is always ready to go "All the Way!"

27/08/2026

Passing the Torch & Honoring Legends: August 27 in 82nd Airborne History

Today, we look back at two monumental moments that shaped the legacy of the "All-American" Division! 🇺🇸

On August 27, 1944, Major General Matthew B. Ridgway completed his historic command of the 82nd Airborne Division, having led our paratroopers through the grueling battles of Sicily, Italy, and the drops into Normandy. He passed the reins to another icon, Major General James Gavin, who officially assumed command the following day.

We salute the 307th Engineer Battalion, which the army organized on this day in 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgia, beginning over a century of elite combat engineering service.

20/08/2026

20 August 1944 Shielding the Division's Secrets

On this day in 82nd Airborne Division history, we look back at World War II milestone that highlights the critical operations running behind the scenes. Eighty-two years ago today, the Army activated the 82d Counterintelligence Corps (CIC) Detachment in England. Composed of highly skilled and specialized operatives, formed during the lead-up to massive airborne assaults like Operation Market Garden. Their mission was vital: safeguard operational security, neutralize enemy espionage, and ensure that the "All Americans" kept the element of surprise.

The legacy of excellence defined by these World War II veterans continues to guide the "All Americans" today as they stand ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.

Airborne! All the Way!

13/08/2026

August 13th is the true cost and commitment of being America’s Guard of Honor. Today, we look back at two pivotal moments in our Division’s modern legacy.

2021: Within hours of receiving the call, paratroopers of the Immediate Response Force (IRF) deployed straight into Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan Serving under Operation Allies Refuge, these brave paratroopers secured the airfield under chaotic conditions, helping to save and evacuate over 124,000 lives

2017: We also pause to honor the ultimate sacrifice of two of our own. Sergeant Roshain E. Brooks and Sergeant Allen L. Stigler Jr., cannon crewmembers with the 2-319th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, were killed in action during combat operations in Iraq. Posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, their dedication to defeating tyranny will never be forgotten.
From rapid response in times of crisis to the ultimate defense of freedom, our paratroopers stand ready.
Lest we forget. Airborne, All the Way!

06/08/2026

On 6 August 2003, during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, two outstanding paratroopers from 2-325th Infantry Regiment made the ultimate sacrifice when their unit was ambushed by enemy gunmen. We continue to hold their families and comrades in our thoughts, and their courage in the face of danger will never be forgotten.

05/08/2026

On This Day in Military History: August 5, 1917 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the birth of a legend! On this day in 1917, the 82nd Division—now the world-famous 82d Airborne Division—was officially constituted in the National Army.

Formed to support America’s entry into World War I, this division was comprised of soldiers from all 48 states. Because of this nationwide brotherhood, the unit earned its famous nickname—the "All-American" division—and created the iconic "AA" shoulder patch still worn with immense pride by our paratroopers today.

From the trenches of the Western Front, to the drop zones of Normandy, to modern rapid-response deployments around the globe, the All-Americans continue to stand ready to deploy within 18 hours to defend freedom.

Join us in honoring 109 years of courage, legacy, and unwavering readiness! Airborne All The Way!

10/07/2026

On This Day in 1943: The All-Americans Leap into History!
Shortly after midnight on 10 July 1943, the 505th Parachute Regimental Combat Team paratroopers, commanded by Col. James M. Gavin, leaped into the night skies over Sicily.
This marked the first regimental-sized combat parachute assault in U.S. Army history, starting Operation Husky and opening the second front in Europe.
Despite gale-force winds scattering troopers miles off course, the All-Americans adapted and fought with incredible tenacity.
Near Ponte Dirillo, Lt. Col. Arthur Gorham and the men of the 1st Battalion landed directly among enemy pillboxes. Outnumbered and facing heavy German Tiger tanks, these paratroopers formed small, aggressive groups to repel Axis forces and secure vital ground.
Today, we honor the courage, innovation, and ultimate sacrifice of the thirty-nine paratroopers who gave their lives at Ponte Dirillo to pave the way for Allied victory
"All the Way!"

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19/06/2026

907th Field Artillery Battalion ordered into active military service, less personnel, and organized at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, 25 March 1942. Lt, Col, John E, Roy commanded from 25 March 1942 to 19 June 1942. ,

11/06/2026

12 June 1944 The 508th Parachute Infantry, reinforced and under command of Brig. Gen. G. P. Howell, was ordered to attack across the Douve on 12 June to seize the area between the river and the Prairies Marecageuses and join with the lOlst Airborne Division at Baupte.

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Opening Hours

Monday	10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 16:00
Thursday	10:00 - 16:00
Friday	10:00 - 16:00
Saturday	10:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+19104325307

Website

https://www.82ndairbornedivisionmuseum.com/

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