1/6 Scale DID WW2 US 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION "Ricky Foster"

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) nicknamed the ScreamingEaglesis an air assault division of the United States Army mainlytrained for air assault operations.

The division was activated on August 15, 1942 at Camp Claiborne,Louisiana. On August 19, 1942 its first commander, Major GeneralWilliam C. Lee, promised his new recruits that the 101st had a"rendezvous with destiny."

During World War II, the Pathfinders of the 101st Airborne Division ledthe way on D-Day in the night drop prior to the invasion. They leftfrom RAF North Witham having trained there with the elite, veteran 82ndAirborne Division.

On August 2, 1944 the division became part of the First Allied AirborneArmy. As part of this formation it took part in Operation Market Garden.

During the Battle of the Bulge the 101st, as one of the few forcesavailable to contain the German advance was rushed forward to defendthe vital road junction of Bastogne. Famously, Brigadier GeneralAnthony McAuliffe answered the German demand for surrender with thereply "To the German Commander: NUTS! -The American Commander" and thedivision fought on until the siege was lifted and the German advancehalted.

For their efforts during World War II, the 101st Airborne Division wasawarded four campaign streamers and two Presidential Unit Citations.The division suffered 1,766 Killed In Action; 6,388 Wounded In Action;and 324 Died of Wounds during World War II.

During the Vietnam conflict, the 101st was redesignated an airmobiledivision, and later as an air assault division. It keeps the identifier"airborne" but does not conduct parachute operations at a divisionlevel. Many modern members of the 101st are graduates of the U.S.Army's Air Assault School, and wear the Air Assault Badge, but it isnot a prerequisite to be assigned to the division. The division isheadquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and is currently serving inIraq.