All American Legacy | The History of the 82nd Airborne Division

All American Legacy Podcast Ep. 20 - A Celebrated Tradition l The History of All American WeekAll American Week is a part of our grand mythos but it is a relatively new phenomenon in the lifespan of the 82nd Airborne Division. In this short episode of the All American Legacy Podcast, Joe Buccino gives you the history of one of our most well-known traditions. Find out how it all started and learn about some of the controversies associated with All American Week.The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office and tells the story of the 100-year history of our Nation's most honored combat unit. We encourage listeners to leave a rating and a review of our podcast on iTunes; these things help other listeners find the program. A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday.You can contact the All American Legacy Podcast via email at 82ndairbornedivisionpao@gmail.com.Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts.

We here at the All American Legacy Podcast know history.  We don't know movies.  So, we brought in an expert to help us break down the 1962 classic "The Longest Day," about the Allied D Day invasion of Normandy.Brian Gill, movie critic, self-described pop culture nerd, and co-host of the popular podcast "Mad About Movies" joins Joe Buccino to talk about the movie that introduced the Division to millions of Americans."The Longest Day" stars John Wayne as Lieutenant Colonel Ben Vandervoort, one of the 82nd Airborne Division's real WWII heroes and it is required viewing for Paratroopers entering the Division.Joe talks to Brian about what the movie gets right and what it gets wrong historically.  Brian provides a perspective on the film's place in the pantheon of American war movie classics.  The two then describe their dream lineup for a current-day remake.Brian and Joe hit it off in a light-hearted episode of the All American Legacy Podcast.The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office and tells the story of the 100-year history of our Nation's most honored combat unit.  A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday.You can contact the All American Legacy Podcast via email at 82ndairbornedivisionpao@gmail.com.Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Please leave a rating and a review of our podcast on iTunes; these things help other listeners find the program.

For more than 70 years, the concept of Little Groups of Paratroopers; LGOPs for short; has been a foundational principle in the way the 82nd Airborne Division is organized to fight. We meet on the objective and, with little command direction, move to the sound of the guns. LGOPs is a concept of speed and disciplined initiative. It is heavily reliant on trust: trust between Airborne leader and Paratrooper, trust between Jumpmaster and chalk, trust between Airborne buddies. That trust save lives during training operations and it ensures we efficiently kill our enemies during combat operations. Episode 18 of the All American Legacy Podcast explores the unique bond that this trust instills between All American Paratroopers. The LGOPs concept extends outside of combat and even beyond completion of service in the Division. Critical to LGOPs are the symbols and traditions unqiue to the All Americans. In today's episode we discuss some of those symbols and traditions and how they bring us together. We also discuss the role of the Jump Master in our culture. The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office. A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday. Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and a review - they help others find the All American Legacy Podcast - and share this podcast with your friends

Known by the call sign "All American 9," Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Green, the senior enlisted leader for the 82nd Airborne Division, joins Master Sgt. Dan Bailey on the All American Legacy Podcast to discuss a variety of topics. With more than 25 years of service in the Army, 15 of those in the Division, Green provides a preview of what visitors can expect at All American Week 100 from May 22nd through 25th on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, reflects on his favorite memories from previous years and what it means to serve as the Division Command Sergeant Major during the 82nd's Centennial. After the All American Week discussion, Green and Bailey talk about two of the Division's newer initiatives: Paratroopers for Life and the Airborne Integration Course. Both programs revolve around setting Paratroopers up for success in their lives and careers, whether they are just entering America's Guard of Honor or preparing to leave the Division.The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office. A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday.Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and a review - they help others find the All American Legacy Podcast - and share this podcast with your friends.

Operation Market Garden, the failed September 1944 Allied invasion of Holland, was the largest airborne operation in world history.   The 1977 star-filled blockbuster movie "A Bridge Too Far," depicting the 82nd Airborne Division's valiant efforts to take the Nijmegen Bridge, made Market Garden legendary.   But, is it accurate?  And, is it actually a good movie?   The All American Legacy Podcast's Lt. Col. Joe Buccino sits down with historian Dr. Phil Nash in this episode to discuss.  Phil and Joe talk about the Allied hubris and bad intelligence that served as the impetus for Market Garden.  They talk about the 504th crossing of the Waal River.  They also discuss their dream for a remake of the film starring Matt Damon.  History meets pop culture in a fun episode of the All American Legacy podcast.As always, this podcast is presented by the 82nd Airborne Division's public affairs team.  A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of America's greatest fighting force -- the 82nd Airborne Division -- is released every Tuesday.Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Leave a rating and review -- they help others find the All American Legacy Podcast -- and share this program with your friends.

We’re working our way through World War II and over the last few episodes we’ve given you the history, the places, the generals, and the strategy.In this episode, you hear from the Paratroopers themselves.  Their stories in their own words. Here our Paratroopers share stories of war at its most intense, of humanity of its most violent.  These are memories of fear, courage, and love.Our World War II Paratroopers have something to say.  Not just about the 82nd Airborne Division and about our spirit, culture, and values, but about our Nation and its best attributes. We'll hear from Paratroopers who stormed the beachhead at Anzio, survived brutal winds jumping into Sicily, and fought through the Normandy hedgerows on D Day. We don’t have very many World War II Paratroopers left. The ones we have left may not be with us for too much longer.  We must cherish them, their accomplishments for our world, and their stories.The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, and Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett. A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday.Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and a review - they help others find the All American Legacy Podcast - and share this podcast with your friends.

This is the second of our two-part series on the 82nd Airborne Division on D Day. If you have not yet heard part one (episode 13), please stop, go back, and listen to that one first.In part two we hear from our Paratroopers who landed in the small village of Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy on the night of June 5th, 1944, charged with one of the most important missions in American history. We'll also hear from Maurice Renaud, the son of the village's mayor during the war, about his memories from that day. Finally, historian Ed Ruggero presents some stories of valor and courage from our All American Paratroopers.D Day is perhaps the most important moment in All American history and in this two-part series we pay tribute to the men who participated in it.The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, and Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett. A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday.Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and a review - they help others find the All American Legacy Podcast - and share this podcast with your friends.

Ep. 13 - "The Day Before the Day | Part I" Operation Neptune, the World War II Allied assault into Normandy, France, was among the grandest and boldest military operations our civilization has ever undertaken. D Day -- Tuesday, June 6th, 1944 -- changed the course of the war, helped saved the world from tyranny, and is honored throughout Europe and the United States. Over the course of the next two episodes we tell the story of our Paratroopers who went into Normandy one day prior to spearhead the D Day invasion. This is part 1 of "The Day Before the Day," a special two-part series on the 82nd Airborne Division in Normandy. In this episode, we bring you the real story of Gen. Jim Gavin, the Division's assault force commander, and his plan for the airborne assault. We'll hear from his daughter Chloe and we'll hear from "Jumpin' Jim" in his own words. Operation Neptune would make the 82nd Airborne Division a legendary unit. This episode tells the story of the man who led it. The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, and Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett. A new episode on the legacy, culture, and history of the 82nd Airborne Division is released every Tuesday. Please subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and a review - they help others find the All American Legacy Podcast - and share this podcast with your friends.

On today's episode of the All American Legacy Podcast, we talk with retired Staff Sgt. Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee who served with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.Despite losing portions of both arms and legs from an IED while on active duty in Afghanistan, Mills is still a Paratrooper, who continues to overcome life’s challenges, breaking physical barriers and defying odds.On April 10, 2012, Mills was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.Now Mills is a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. In September 2013, he founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist combat-injured veterans.Mills lives by his motto: “Never give up. Never quit.”Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the heroic actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, near Washington D.C., Mills remains on the road to recovery. Every day is a battle, but he continues to astound friends and family alike with his progress and with his amazing spirit.Mills' story has been featured on local and national news and he has a New York Times bestselling memoir, Tough as They Come.This show is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett, and Staff Sgt. Will Reinier.Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.

The Devils in Baggy Pants.  It’s one of the most storied nicknames and one of the most prestigious units in American military history.  On Episode 11 we revisit the moment that made the black-hearted devils, the 82nd Airborne Division’s 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, legendary. In January of 1944, in an effort to strike a decisive blow against the Germans, the 504th made a seaborne assault on Anzio. What followed was some of the most barbarous, grinding combat of World War II. Neither side would claim victory but the 504th would be feared for the rest of the war. We spoke with the Paratroopers who fought with the 504th at Anzio. James “Maggie” Megellas, who turned 100 earlier this month, went on to become the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. Roy Hanna, who also turned 100 this year, was shot in the chest at Anzio and continued leading his men with a bullet lodged between his ribs. T. Moffatt Burris saw some of the fiercest fighting in American combat history. In this episode we find out that the spirit of these Devils in baggy pants remains alive in today’s All American Paratroopers. Finally, Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, 82nd Airborne Division public affairs officer, talks about a piece of famous All American history that may be more myth than fact. The All American Legacy Podcast is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett, and Staff Sgt. Will Reinier. Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.

Episode 10 - "Fire in the Sky | The 82nd's First Combat Jump"On today's episode of the All American Legacy Podcast, we talk about Operation Husky and its aftermath.The 82ndAirborne Division was still largely an experiment by July 9, 1943 when the Allies invaded Sicily. The invasion, codenamed Operation Husky, was a critical moment for the Division. The fog of war blanketed the island and the airborne assault quickly disintegrated into chaos and then tragedy.Our Paratroopers were dropped miles away from their designated drop zones. A catastrophic friendly fire incident cut down aircraft and Paratroopers. Once on the ground, the All Americans formed small groups and displayed initiative and courage, allowing the Allies to seize the island.  Within this bloody crucible the American Paratrooper Legacy was born.  After Operation Husky, General Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, had to make a critical decision about the future employment of large airborne forces.  Eisenhower considered converting the 82nd into a standard infantry division. The December 1943 Knollwood Maneuvers, a test of a division-level airborne insertion conducted in Moore County, North Carolina, would serve as a deciding factor.  Had the maneuvers been unsuccessful, the 82nd Airborne Division would likely not exist today.This show is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett, and Staff Sgt. Will Reinier.Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.

In “The Best Damn Fighting Outfit in the World” we learn about the history of airborne operations in the U.S. Army and how the 82nd Infantry Division because reorganized as the 82nd Airborne Division. Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett joins us to talk about the history of airborne operations in Russia and Germany and how they would influence and shape the Army’s decision to stand up the first Airborne unit in the United States Military. Major William Lee, the man credited with spearheading the concept of the airborne for the US, searches far and wide for ways to refine this concept including talking to the Smokejumpers in the Pacific Northwest and even using a 200-foot parachute tower from the New York State Fair to teach soldiers how to fall. From there, the initial Parachute Test Platoon from the 29th Infantry Regiment would train and conduct the first airborne operation on August 16th, 1940 – known today as National Airborne Day. In our second segment, Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Officer and Historian, talks to John Arsen, the curator of the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, about how the Army would take this Airborne concept and apply it to the 82nd Infantry Division to create the 82nd Airborne Division. We explore different reasons for picking the 82nd, as well as what would have happened had this experiment failed. The original days of the U.S. Army Airborne School weren't easy. Only the toughest made it as we learn from Sgt. 1st Class Burnett. Finally, Dan Carlan – host of the hit podcast Hardcore History – joins us to talk about the historical context in place that drew the Americans into the war in Europe as well as the difficulties this new Division would face. This show is produced by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office and hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett, Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, and Staff Sgt. Will Reinier. Do you have a suggestion for the show? Email us at allamericanlegacy@gmail.com You can also connect with us on social media at www.facebook.com/82ndAirborneDivision and www.twitter.com/82ndABNDiv Tweet at us using #AALegacy and we'll give you a shout out in our next show notes! This week, we want to thank Chris Fletcher! Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.

The All American Division redeployed to the United States in April and May of 1919, demobilizing in New York.  The Division status and role in the period between World Wars I and II is the subject of this week's episode of the All American Legacy Podcast.The time between world wars was an odd one for the 82nd.  America was exhausted with war and did not know exactly what to do with its military.   Suddenly, the United States was a global power, but its citizenry had no appetite for the implementation of more force around the world.    With no clear mission, the 82nd waned.  For two years the division existed on paper only.  The Division retained its core structure but with virtually no Soldiers.  According to the Division's official history, recorded by Chief of Staff Lt. Colonel G. Edward Buxton, Jr in 1919.: "The 82nd Division has passed into history but it will forever live on in the hearts of its men."   In 1921, the Division was restructured as a drilling Army Reserve unit, maintaining a group of officers and Soldiers who could quickly mobilize in the event of another war.   Staff Sergeant Will Reinier and Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, hosts of the All American Legacy Podcast, talk about this quiet period of peace in the lifespan of America's Guard of Honor.  They also talk about another tradition unique to the Division.   Also this week, Dr. Phil Nash, associate professor of history at Penn State, one of the nation's leading scholars on this period, enters the Division headquarters at 1 All American Way to talk to the AALP crew. Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.

The Armistice of November 11, 1918 brought an end to the Great War. The 82nd Infantry Division returned to the United States in April, 1919. The nation was at peace, but the doughboys of the 82nd returned to a country in turmoil.   This week we speak with Dr. Jennifer Keene, professor of history and chair of the history department at Chapman University in California. Dr. Keene has a Ph. D in History from Carnegie-Mellon University and is a specialist in the American military experience during World War I. She has published three books on the subject, including the 2001 book "Doughboys, the Great War and the Remaking of America." Dr. Keene speaks about the return of the All Americans to the United States after the war and how the American experience in World War I changed the country forever. Historian Dr. Joseph Coohill has made a career out of debunking historic myth. In fact, his alias is Professor Buzzkill and that is also the name of his popular podcast focusing on myths and misconceptions about history. As Professor Buzzkill, Coohill makes history enjoyable for those who hate it and that is what he does in the second part of this episode.  Professor Buzzkill called into Ridgway Hall, the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters on Fort Bragg, for a wide-ranging discussion with Buccino. They discussed the process of understanding history, technology in World War I, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the controversy surrounding Sergeant Alvin York's actions in WWI, and much more.   Dr. Coohill has a doctorate in modern history from Oxford, as well an MA from the University of Melbourne and a BA from Humboldt State University in California.  He has taught at universities in Britain and the United States and has written several books. If you enjoy the All American Legacy podcast, please leave a review. This helps other listeners find our program on iTunes.   The All American Legacy Podcast is developed by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office; Hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett, and Staff Sgt. Will Reinier.  If you have a suggestion for the show, email us at allamericanlegacy@gmail.com.  You can also connect with us on social media at www.facebook.com/82ndAirborneDivision and www.twitter.com/82ndABNDiv. Tweet at us using #AALegacy and we’ll give you a shout out right here in the show notes!   More information about Professor Buzzkill may be found at professorbuzzkill.com. Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.

The Armistice of November 11, 1918 brought an end to the Great War. The 82nd Infantry Division returned to the United States in April, 1919. The nation was at peace, but the doughboys of the 82nd returned to a country in turmoil.   This week we speak with Dr. Jennifer Keene, professor of history and chair of the history department at Chapman University in California. Dr. Keene has a Ph. D in History from Carnegie-Mellon University and is a specialist in the American military experience during World War I. She has published three books on the subject, including the 2001 book "Doughboys, the Great War and the Remaking of America." Dr. Keene speaks about the return of the All Americans to the United States after the war and how the American experience in World War I changed the country forever. Historian Dr. Joseph Coohill has made a career out of debunking historic myth. In fact, his alias is Professor Buzzkill and that is also the name of his popular podcast focusing on myths and misconceptions about history. As Professor Buzzkill, Coohill makes history enjoyable for those who hate it and that is what he does in the second part of this episode.  Professor Buzzkill called into Ridgway Hall, the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters on Fort Bragg, for a wide-ranging discussion with Buccino. They discussed the process of understanding history, technology in World War I, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the controversy surrounding Sergeant Alvin York's actions in WWI, and much more.   Dr. Coohill has a doctorate in modern history from Oxford, as well an MA from the University of Melbourne and a BA from Humboldt State University in California.  He has taught at universities in Britain and the United States and has written several books. If you enjoy the All American Legacy podcast, please leave a review. This helps other listeners find our program on iTunes.   The All American Legacy Podcast is developed by the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office; Hosted by Lt. Col. Joe Buccino, Master Sgt. Dan Bailey, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Burnett, and Staff Sgt. Will Reinier.  If you have a suggestion for the show, email us at allamericanlegacy@gmail.com.  You can also connect with us on social media at www.facebook.com/82ndAirborneDivision and www.twitter.com/82ndABNDiv. Tweet at us using #AALegacy and we’ll give you a shout out right here in the show notes!   More information about Professor Buzzkill may be found at professorbuzzkill.com. Make sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, YouTube, or where ever you listen to podcasts. Leave a rating and review and share this with your friends. Join us every Tuesday as we bring you weekly episodes from the center of the military universe - Fort Bragg.