101st Airborne Division
The 101st Airborne Division was formed before the USA entered World War II. Only the toughest men could serve in the 101st, and only 1 out of every 3 men were accepted. The division completed its Airborne training in September 1943, and played a key role in D-Day. The night before the invasion they were dropped behind enemy lines. The planes carrying them were under heavy antiaircraft fire and took evasive action. Instead of parachuting at 700 feet from the ground at 100 miles per hour, they jumped from 300 feet at 200 miles per hour. This caused scattering among the division all over Normandy. They caused havoc among the German ranks even though they were not formed up intotheir proper units and companies. After World War II the 101st Airborne Division was deactivated.
External links
- The Story of the 101st Airborne Division (WWII book)
