History of the 101st Airborne

Beginning

The 101st Airborne Division was activated August 16, 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana and placed under the command of Major General William C. Lee. At the activation ceremony, MG Lee observed, "The 101st...has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny."

In June 1943 the 506th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) were officially attached to the 101st Airborne Division and moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where they were stationed until late August. They departed America on the S.S. Samaria and arrived at Liverpool on 15th September. Once in England 506th Regiment was stationed in Wiltshire County in villages such as Aldbourne and Ramsbury.