National Airborne Day

August 16, 1940 marked the first official parachute operation executed by the US Army Parachute Test Platoon - following the development of parachute infantry units by Italy, Germany, and the Soviet Union during the 1930's. Noting the shocking success of German airborne forces during the invasions of Belgium, The Netherlands, and Norway in early 1940, the United States Army began the process of validating the concept of inserting ground combat forces into battle by parachute. 

In 2002 President George Bush established National Airborne Day in recognition of those early pioneers at Ft. Benning, and the brave men and women of America's Airborne Forces who continue to carry their legacy forward.