The 11th Airborne Division, affectionately known as the "Angels," was a formidable United States Army airborne formation whose storied history began on February 25, 1943, right in the midst of World War II. Structured with a unique blend of one parachute infantry regiment and two glider infantry regiments, alongside essential supporting troops, this division wasn't just another unit; it was a pioneering force. Throughout 1943, its soldiers endured an exceptionally rigorous training regimen, preparing them for the intense demands of airborne operations.

A critical moment in its early existence was the pivotal Knollwood Maneuver. This large-scale exercise was meticulously orchestrated to validate the very concept and practical viability of American airborne formations, which had faced skepticism after their somewhat underwhelming performance during the Allied invasion of Sicily. The 11th Airborne's successful participation in Knollwood definitively proved that such units could operate effectively on a grand scale, securing their future in the war effort.

Deployment to the Pacific Theater

While the first half of 1944 saw the 11th Airborne Division held in reserve on home soil, June brought a significant change of scenery: a transfer to the arduous Pacific Theater of Operations. Upon their arrival, the Angels weren't immediately thrown into combat. Instead, they underwent a period of intense training and acclimatization, adjusting to the unique environmental and tactical challenges of the Pacific. By November, after this comprehensive preparation, the division was officially deemed combat-ready.

The 11th Airborne's baptism by fire came on the Philippine island of Leyte, though, interestingly, they initially served in a conventional infantry role rather than making an airborne assault. Their true test as an airborne unit would soon follow. In January 1945, the division played a crucial part in the invasion of Luzon, another major Philippine island. Here, the two glider infantry regiments once again operated as traditional ground forces, diligently securing a vital beachhead before pushing inland through fierce resistance.

Combat Drops and Liberation

The division's parachute infantry regiment, initially held in reserve for several days, then conducted the 11th Airborne's first true combat airborne operation: a daring combat drop onto the strategic Tagaytay Ridge. This successful insertion was a testament to their rigorous training and the effectiveness of airborne tactics. Reunited, the full division then plunged into the harrowing task of liberating Manila, a brutal urban battle.

One of the 11th Airborne's most audacious and celebrated actions during this period was the raid on the Los Baños internment camp. Two companies of divisional paratroopers executed this incredibly risky mission, successfully liberating over two thousand civilian internees from Japanese captivity – a remarkable humanitarian feat. The Angels' final combat operation of World War II took place in the northern reaches of Luzon, around Aparri, where they supported combined American and Philippine forces in their relentless efforts to subdue the last pockets of Japanese resistance on the island.

Post-War and Inactivation

As World War II drew to a close, the 11th Airborne Division transitioned to a new mission. On August 30, 1945, the Angels were dispatched to southern Japan, forming a crucial part of the Allied occupation force. After four years serving as an occupation presence, the division was recalled to the United States, where its role shifted to that of a training formation.

During the Korean War, one of its parachute infantry regiments was detached for active service. However, the division's active lineage as a whole paused on June 30, 1958, when it was formally inactivated. Its story, however, wasn't entirely over. Briefly reactivated on February 1, 1963, as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test), the unit was tasked with pioneering and exploring the theoretical and practical applications of helicopter assault tactics – a revolutionary concept for the time. This experimental phase concluded on June 29, 1965, with the division's second inactivation. Its personnel and equipment were subsequently transferred to the newly formed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), carrying forward its legacy into the future of air mobility.

FAQs about the 11th Airborne Division

What was the 11th Airborne Division?

The 11th Airborne Division, also known as the "Angels," was a United States Army airborne formation, initially consisting of parachute and glider infantry regiments, first activated during World War II.

When was the 11th Airborne Division activated?

It was first activated on February 25, 1943, during World War II.

What were some of its most notable operations?

Key operations included the Knollwood Maneuver, combat action on Leyte and Luzon, the Liberation of Manila, and the audacious raid on the Los Baños internment camp where they liberated over two thousand civilians.

Where did the 11th Airborne Division primarily serve during WWII?

After initial training in the U.S., the division was transferred to the Pacific Theater of Operations, seeing significant combat in the Philippines (Leyte and Luzon).

When was the 11th Airborne Division inactivated?

It was first inactivated on June 30, 1958, and later a second time on June 29, 1965, after a brief reactivation as the 11th Air Assault Division (Test).