81 years ago today, paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division prepared to board their planes and fly into the night, toward Normandy — and into history. This powerful footage captures the tense final moments before they leapt into the fight for freedom on the Day of Days — D-Day. They paved the way for liberation. We honor their courage. 🇺🇸 #DDay #DayOfDays #82ndAirborne #Paratroopers #WWIIHistory | The History of the 82nd Airborne in World War II

On June 6, 1944, forever on known as D-Day, the 82nd Airborne Division jumped into history as more than 12,000 All American glider and parachute infantry took part in the Airborne assault over Normandy, France. As they landed among the farmhouses and fields, they quickly realized they were not facing their enemy alone. French Patriots quickly came to their aid, often risking their lives to assist their would-be liberators. Under normal circumstances, the All American Division would be in France

Happy Anniversary to the Army's first Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division! All The Way! Video by Pfc. Derek Mustard #ArmyHistory | U.S. Army

Fire Support Specialist from 3-319 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, trained along AH-64 Apache aircraft assigned to 1-82 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion "Wolfpack", 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. The training allowed for ground forward observers to communicate with Apaches to call in close combat attacks on a simulated enemy position part of Wolfpacks aerial gunnery Sept. 17, 2015 on Fort A.P. Hill Continue to monitor the #82CAB page. |

No targets are safe with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade's advanced attack helicopters hovering above. Watch our Apache pilots maneuver these helicopters through an aerial gunnery range at Fort Bragg. | 82nd Airborne Division

What does a day as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division look like? THIS. Hooah. Reel from 82nd Airborne Division | U.S. Army

WATCH! Paratroopers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division jump from an Air Force C-130 during Large Package Week! (Footage courtesy of 1st Combat Camera Squadron) | 82nd Airborne Division