All-Americans & Screaming Eagles Traditional Cache

Camp Caliborne had a relatively short life span in our military history, lasting just longer than five years both preceding and during WWII. But in that short time more than half-a-million troops trained here from a number of U.S. Army divisions. Two units in particular, the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division were mobilized here, and while their geographic locations have since changed, their legacies still live on.

82nd Airborne Division - The "All-Americans"

The 82nd was originally formed in 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgie, where they were then known as the 82nd Infantry Division. Because members of the 82nd hailed from all 48 states the unit was nicknamed the "All-Americans," hence the "AA" in the shoulder patch. After WWI the "All-Americans" were demobilized and it would be another 20 years before they would be heard from again. Then, with with onset of WWII, the 82nd was reactivated on March 25, 1942 here at Camp Claiborne. However, at that time they were still known as the 82nd Infantry. It wasn't until August 15, 1942 that the 82nd Infantry Division became the first airborne division in the U.S. Army, at which time they were redesignated the 82nd Airborne Division. The 82nd still carries on its duties at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

101st Airborne Division - The Screaming Eagles

The 101st Airborne Division was activated here at Camp Claiborne on August 16, 1942. Its first commander, General William C. Lee, would remark that although the division has no previous history, it would have a "rendevous with destiny" and should be called to action when the need becomes "immediate and extreme". Known as the Screaming Eagles, the 101st would participate in both combat and peacetime operations throughout the World from its inception to the current date. During the Vietnam conflict, the epithet 'Airmobile' was added to the 101st Airborne Division's title when the use of helicopter insertions were adapted for combat. The 101st is currently headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

This cache should be an easy p&g along a well-maintained, two-lane highway with adequate room for pull-off and parking. Please be sure and visit the other nearby caches here on old Camp Claiborne and the Kisatchie.