The first attempts to use airborne units took place in the US armed forces in the early 1930s, but they turned out to be unsuccessful. Only the outbreak of World War II in Europe accelerated the development of this formation in the United States, and the first parachute unit in the history of the US Army was one of the platoons of the 29th Infantry Regiment, which in 1940 underwent appropriate training. One of the most important figures in the development of American airborne units was General William C. Lee, also known as the father of this formation. During World War II, two airborne divisions were formed: 82nd ("All American") and 101st ("Screaming Eagle"). American troops of this type played a huge role in the first days of the operation in Normandy (June 1944), but also fought later as part of Operation Market-Garden (1944) or Varsity (1945).
The 82st Airborne Division is an American tactical union bearing the unofficial name of All American. The unit was first formed in August 1917. For the first time in the history of the US Army, recruits were admitted to it without being guided by their origin from a given state or county, which earned it its nickname. After the end of World War I, it was disbanded. It was reformed in March 1942, and its first commander in World War II was one of the best American generals of that war - Omar N. Bradley. In August 1942 it was transformed into the first ever US Army airborne division. Together with the 101st Airborne Division, it was the backbone of this type of troops in the US armed forces during World War II. It was first used in combat during the landing in Sicily in July 1943 (Operation Husky). It is worth adding that by 23 July 1943, the divisions' units managed to capture about 23,000 prisoners. captives! Later it was also used in combat during landings at Salerno and Anzio. After this last operation, she was redirected to Great Britain and preparations for Operation Overlord began, in which she took part from its first hours, achieving considerable tactical success in its course. Later, she also took part in the unsuccessful Operation Market-Garden (September 1944). The division also took part in the fighting in the Ardennes at the turn of 1944/1945. It is worth adding that in 1945 the division entered Germany and - unlike the 101st Division - took part in active fighting. After 1945, the division took part in combat operations, including in the First Gulf War (1990-1991) and the operation in Afghanistan (from 2002). The 82nd Airborne Division is considered one of the most famous tactical units of the American armed forces.