Veteran of World War II Carl Beck, 101st Airborne Division, shares his story of service during the war. Courtesy of the Witness to War Project.
History of the 101st Airborne Division
The 101st Airborne Division, famously known as the “Screaming Eagles,” is one of the most storied divisions in the United States Army, renowned for its airborne operations and pivotal role in key military campaigns. Formed on August 16, 1942, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, the 101st was envisioned as a specialized unit of paratroopers capable of rapid, surprise assaults by air, landing behind enemy lines to disrupt defenses and secure strategic objectives. Under the leadership of its first commanding officer, Major General William C. Lee, the division adopted its famous motto, “Rendezvous with Destiny,” foreshadowing the pivotal role it would play in the years to come.
The division’s first major operation was during World War II, where it earned its legendary status. On June 6, 1944, the Screaming Eagles were dropped behind German lines in Normandy, France, as part of Operation Overlord—more famously known as D-Day. The division’s paratroopers were tasked with securing key bridges and routes to ensure the success of the amphibious landings on the beaches. Despite being scattered and facing overwhelming odds, the 101st Airborne achieved its objectives and played a critical role in the liberation of Normandy. Later in 1944, the division also made its mark in Operation Market Garden and the brutal winter campaign in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, where its resolute defense under siege became a defining moment in its history.
After World War II, the 101st Airborne was briefly deactivated but was reactivated during the Cold War era as an airborne infantry division. Its next significant role came during the Vietnam War, where the division shifted to airmobile operations, conducting large-scale helicopter assaults and engaging in jungle warfare. The Screaming Eagles were involved in major operations, such as the Battle of Hamburger Hill, further cementing their reputation as one of the Army’s elite units.
In the years since Vietnam, the 101st has continued to evolve and adapt to new forms of warfare, participating in conflicts such as the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its shift from airborne to air assault capabilities has allowed the division to maintain its relevance as a highly mobile, rapid-response force in modern military operations. Throughout its history, the 101st Airborne Division has maintained its legacy of courage, adaptability, and tenacity, living up to its motto of meeting every challenge with a “Rendezvous with Destiny.”
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