The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is an air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles,” the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation on Aug. 15, 1942. On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen. William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a “rendezvous with destiny.” As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.

General Order number five, which gave birth to the division, reads: “The 101st Airborne Division, activated at Camp Claiborne., has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny. Like the early American pioneers whose invincible courage was the foundation stone of this nation, we have broken with the past and its traditions in order to establish our claim to the future.