82nd Airborne Division, 503rd & 504th AIR Combat Support Group

08/16/2025

Today is National Airborne Day! In 1940, General James Maurice Gavin, U.S. Army convinced members of the Armed Forces to establish an airborne fighting force capable of insertions behind enemy lines at great risk in order to disrupt enemy supply and communication networks until relieved by conventional ground troops. General James Maurice Gavin was the brainchild behind this risky venture. Thus, the evolution of the fabled 82nd ID to the first Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC.

Aug. 16 is known as , and it commemorates the first official Army parachute jump which took place on Aug. 16, 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia. Common injuries among airborne veterans include back, knee, ankle and foot injuries stemming from parachute landings and training. If you’re suffering from injuries sustained during your service, DAV benefits advocates are here to help you navigate the VA claims process. Visit benfitsquestions.org to get in touch with our team!

08/16/2025

503rd & 504th 1959 to 1962I. 131 LALO's!

Today in History...

Weather and terrain played their part in deciding which division would earn the title of the U.S. Army’s first official Airborne Division.
But in the end, the choice came down to finding a unit that was trained, ready, and battle-proven.

For those reasons—and more—on 15 August 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, the 82nd Airborne Division took wings and became the U.S. Army’s 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 Airborne Division.

Airborne!
ALL THE WAY!

08/03/2025

Outstanding Trooper, hand salute! Rest well in Valhalla!!!!

2 August 2009: SFC Severin W Summers III C Co. 2nd Bn 20th SF Group Mississippi National Guard was KIA by a EID that exploded under his vehicle while conducting operations in Afghanistan. His awards: Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Halo Badge, Basic Airborne Badge, Scuba Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service & Expeditionary Medals Medal, Armed Forces Medal. He was 43 years old and from Lafayette, Louisiana. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery at Section 60, Site 8653.

08/02/2025

These men & their families suffered terribly under British ruler together unimaginable loss and of life , battle wounds, imprisonment and family non-combatant members! The survivors never wavered in their belief of the framework of the Constitution that established our nation!

07/09/2025

I wonder how many 20 year olds would be willing to accomplish what this young man has achieved after staring into their iPhones all day! They don’t make too many men like this anymore! AATW!

Harry Hudec (1922-2007) joined the Army on October 24, 1942, at the age of 20. He was a member of the 508 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division. He was also the regimental Boxing Champion.
On June 6, 1944 about 13,100 American paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, then 3,937 glider infantrymen, were dropped in Normandy via two parachute and six glider missions.
Hudec made his jump into Normandy at approximately 1:30 AM on D-Day and fought valiantly on Hill 30, situated between Chef du Pont and Picauville. He sustained injuries from combat and was sheltered and cared for by a local family for four days until German forces arrived. Following his recovery, Hudec underwent surgery to remove gr***de fragments from his wounds. He returned to active duty and subsequently parachuted into Holland during Operation Market Garden, as well as participating in the Battle of the Bulge.
After the war, Hudec returned to Cleveland, got married, had three children, and eventually retired from the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company after 43 years of service.

05/01/2025

Gotta’ love it!

04/05/2025

With Jessica A Smith – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/09/2025

With WORLD WAR II Historical Videos – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/28/2025

Happy Birthday to the 11th ABN! And welcome back to the formerly defunct division that was reconstituted and put back into active service in May 2022 as the “Arctic Angels” stationed in Alaska! During WWII the division proudly served in the Pacific theater having fought campaigns you don’t always hear about. One of its veterans happens to be Rod Serling! AATW!

Happy Birthday to the 11th Airborne Division! On this day, February 25, 1943, the 11th Airborne Division was activated—setting the standard for Airborne and Air Assault operations. Consisting of one parachute infantry regiment and two glider regiments, the Angels paved the way for the future of airborne warfare.
After early doubts about large-scale airborne operations, Major General Joseph M. Swing and the 11th Airborne proved the concept’s effectiveness during the Knollwood Maneuver, securing the future of the Airborne. From there, they fought valiantly in the Pacific, playing a key role in liberating the Philippines.
Their most legendary moment? The Los Baños Raid—a daring, precision airborne operation that freed 2,147 prisoners in just 15 minutes with zero paratrooper losses. This raid is still studied at West Point today!
The 11th Airborne’s legacy didn’t stop there. The division pioneered concepts that led to modern Air Assault tactics, later refined with new technology and tested as the 11th Air Assault Division, whose tactics are showcased in the movie We Were Soldiers.
With two Medals of Honor, nine Distinguished Service Crosses, and 432 Silver Stars, the Angels left an indelible mark on military history.

Photo: Gary Daniels
Airborne Division Association - "Angels"

02/18/2025

We didn't plant no flag on Suribachi! We went out the side door of C-47's into darkness and daylight all over Western Europe, North Africa, Sicily and the Philippines at Corregidor during WWII!