National Airborne Day: Significance And Interesting Facts About Sky Soldiers

National Airborne Day is observed on Aug. 16 every year to honor the U.S. Army's elite airborne troops and celebrate all their accomplishments.

National Airborne Day commemorates the first official Army parachute jump on Aug. 16, 1940, which soon led to the formation of the U.S. Army Airborne Units. In 2002, President George W. Bush established National Airborne Day to commemorate these "foundational efforts."

"Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers," President Bush said in the Proclamation. "Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor."

And since those early days, airborne troops have proven themselves in various missions.

"During World War II, Airborne tactics were critical to the success of important missions, including the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the invasion of Southern France, and many others," President Bush noted. "In Korea and Vietnam, Airborne soldiers played a critical combat role, as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, Haiti, Somalia, and the Balkans."

On this day, let's look at some interesting facts about these sky soldiers. (Courtesy: United Service Organizations (USO), National Day Calendar, National Today and Military Benefits)

1. The 101st Airborne Division's nickname is the "Screaming Eagles" while the 82nd Airborne Division's nickname is "All American."
2. Army Sgt. Monica Lin Brown of the 82nd Airborne Division was the first female Afghan War veteran and second woman since WWII to receive the Silver Star. She was also the USO Soldier of the Year in 2008.
3. Both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions have rather famous alums. Country music star Craig Morgan was a part of both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, while famed guitarist Jimi Hendrix served with the 101st Division.
4. Other military branches also use paratroopers. For instance, there is also a U.S. Air Force Pararescue while the Navy's SEAL teams also perform parachute operations.
5. Airborne personnel gets paid an additional $150 "jump pay" on top of their base pay.
6. During World War II, British airborne troops also carried German Shepherds called "para-dogs," who had missions like guarding or clearing mines.
7. National Airborne Day is not a national holiday but it is celebrated in various ways in many local military communities.