Alpine Miniatures B002 82nd Airborne “All American”

The first attempts to use airborne units took place in the United States military in the early 1930s, but were 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 American army was one of the platoons of the 29th Infantry Regiment, which in 1940 received training appropriate. 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: the 82nd ("All American") and the 101st ("Screaming Eagle"). American troops of this type played a very important role in the early days of the operation in Normandy (June 1944), but also fought later as part of Operation Market-Garden (1944) or Varsity (1945).

The 82nd Airborne Division is an American tactical union that bears the unofficial name 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 particular state or county, earning 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 became the first airborne division of the US Army. Along with the 101st Airborne Division, it was the backbone of such troops in the US armed forces during World War II. It was first used in combat during the landings in Sicily in July 1943 (Operation Husky). It is worth adding that on July 23, 1943, the units of the divisions managed to capture about 23,000 prisoners. captives! It was later also used in combat during the landings at Salerno and Anzio. After this last operation he was redirected to Great Britain and preparations for Operation Overlord began, in which he participated from its first hours, achieving considerable tactical success in its development. Later he also participated in the failed Operation Market-Garden (September 1944). The division also took part in fighting in the Ardennes in early 1944/1945. It should be added that in 1945 the division entered Germany and, unlike the 101st Division, participated in active combat. After 1945, the division participated in military operations, including the First Gulf War (1990-1991) and the operation in Afghanistan (since 2002). The 82nd Airborne Division is considered one of the most famous tactical units in the US military.