Alpha Bravo Delta Guide to American Airborne Forces

by Smith Jr., W. Thomas

• ISBN13: 9781592571666
• ISBN10: 1592571662
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-02
• Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary

The most up-to-date and comprehensive book on the soldiers who fight from the sky... Airborne forces are today's U.S. Cavalry, riding to their comrades' rescue behind enemy lines or providing cover as highly mobile, protective screens. Sky soldiers have played a major role in every American military action since WWII, including the war against terrorism. This book offers the most up-to-date, comprehensive look at the relatively short-but-colorful history of a lightning-fast branch of the military that has become essential to success in battle.

Author Biography

W. Thomas Smith Jr.'s work has appeared in numerous major publications from USA Today to U.S. News & World Report. A former paratrooper and infantry leader with the Marine Corps' most decorated regiment, a former counter-terrorist instructor and SWAT officer, Smith has reported from the Balkans and Middle East, and covered the aftermath of September 11 from "ground zero" in New York City.

Table of Contents

Part 1: American Paratroopers	1	(30)
1 "Geronimo!"	3	(16)
2 "Jump School"	19	(12)
Part 2: Army Airborne Forces	31	(140)
3 First Combat Jumps	33	(8)
4 Devils in Baggy Pants: 82nd Airborne Division	41	(28)
5 Screaming Eagles: 101st Airborne Division	69	(28)
6 Angels: 11th Airborne Division	97	(12)
7 Black Cats: 13th Airborne Division	109	(6)
8 Thunder from Heaven: 17th Airborne Division	115	(6)
9 Gliderborne Forces	121	(8)
10 Independent Airborne and Parachute Infantry Units	129	(18)
11 Army Special Operations Forces	147	(24)
Part 3: Naval Parachutists	171	(12)
12 Naval Special Warfare Forces	173	(10)
Part 4: Marine Corps Parachutists	183	(28)
13 Leathernecks and Blood Wings	185	(12)
14 1st Parachute Regiment	197	(6)
15 Reconnaissance and Other Special Operations Forces	203	(8)
Part 5: Air Force Parachutists	211	(14)
16 Air Force Special Tactics Forces	213	(12)
Part 6: Parachutists in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)	225	(20)
17 Lone Spies and Special Teams	227	(8)
18 Parachute-Trained Covert Operatives	235	(6)
Afterword	241	(4)
Appendixes
A Proclamation of National Airborne Day by the President of the United States	245	(4)
B Interesting Airborne "Firsts" and Facts	249	(4)
C Airborne Creed	253	(4)
D The Parachute Riggers' Pledge	257	(2)
E Parachutist Badges of American Airborne Forces	259	(6)
F The Beret: A Symbol of Airborne Forces	265	(4)
G Airborne Demonstration Teams	269	(2)
H Bibliography	271	(14)
Index	285