Photo By Ethan Steinquest | Retired Army Capt. David “Al” Herold, who served with the 101st Airborne Division,...... read more read more
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – More than 450 Screaming Eagle veterans who fought during the Vietnam War received their Air Assault wings during an Honorary Air Assault Badge Ceremony hosted June 25 at The Sabalauski Air Assault School. The event was part of the Week of the Eagles celebration.
The ceremony also honored dozens of Operation Desert Storm veterans for their role in military history’s largest Air Assault, which recently marked its 30th anniversary.
Major General JP McGee, commanding general, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell, served as master of ceremonies and presented the veterans with Air Assault certificates and badges that were not available to earn during the Vietnam era.
“Today we’re going to pay tribute and recognize our Screaming Eagle Air Assault culture and excellence that has come before us,” McGee said. “This is probably the largest awarding of Air Assault badges in the history of the badge.”
Since 1974, the Air Assault badge has represented mastery over the skills required to execute air assault operations, and the Screaming Eagles who served in Vietnam demonstrated those qualities, he said.
“It’s nice seeing everyone being recognized for all the Air Assault jumps we did,” said retired Army Spec. 4 John Beebe.
“I’m also enjoying seeing all the troops and equipment they have nowadays ... all the Soldiers seem so young now,” he said.
Beebe was drafted during the Vietnam War and served 1970-1971 in the 101st Abn. Div. before being medically evacuated. He said the Honorary Air Assault Ceremony was his first time being honored for his military career.
“It’s great to have that recognition and to see that they’re remembering us,” said retired Army 1st Lt. Steve Patterson, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Abn. Div. “But the best thing is seeing the men you served with, because there’s a permanent bond there.”
Patterson, who served 1967-1969 in the 101st, frequently attends Week of the Eagles and other events on the installation to stay connected.
“The first time I was here was only 15 years ago, because my unit was in Vietnam,” he said. “Even though I wasn’t here on duty, it’s like coming home – you get to see the legacy, the quality of the leaders and Soldiers and how the units have progressed through the years.”
Retired Army Sgt. Erik Lind, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 101st Abn. Div., said it’s important for Soldiers from different generations to learn from each other about the division’s history and appreciated the chance to meet with Vietnam veterans.
“We’re in the shadows of heroes,” said Lind, who served from 1987-1993 and fought in Operation Desert Storm. “It’s inspirational for me, and I’m trying to deliver that message to other veterans. I brought a lot of Desert Storm guys this year who haven’t been here before, and they’re getting to see the connection between what we did, what those before us did and what the Soldiers are doing today.”
Screaming Eagle Vietnam veterans laid the foundation for modern-day Air Assault operations, McGee said.
“We strive to honor the legacy built upon what you all accomplished in the hills, valleys and rice paddies in Vietnam,” he said. “You didn’t earn your Air Assault badges by climbing through an obstacle course, you earned it by clawing your way through enemy fire and hot landing zones ... I hope you fully appreciate the impact all of you have had on all of us who are still wearing the uniform.”
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2021 16:57 |
| Story ID: | 400262 |
| Location: | FORT CA, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 412 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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