CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS, France — Soldiers with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division commemorating the impending 80th anniversary of D-Day jumped out of helicopters Sunday and attacked mock targets in a display that showcased the present while paying homage to the past.
The air assault drill was held in Carentan, France, where on June 6, 1944, paratroopers from the 101st arrived to liberate the town and provide vital support to the Allies’ beach landings.
Carentan annually celebrates the division with a parachute show, and this year, the 101st decided to participate in the D-Day commemorative events by displaying its current capabilities.
“We think it’s worth highlighting how we have advanced since the early stages of airborne development,” said Lt. Col. Erik Norman, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, who helped organize the demo.
In the 1970s, the unit was designated as an air assault division, meaning its soldiers no longer parachute. Today, the 101st can deliver an entire brigade hundreds of miles behind enemy lines by helicopter, according to the unit’s leadership.
Helicopters supporting the 101st Airborne Division fly over Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024, as part of D-Day commemoration events. The 101st Airborne Division conducted an air assault demonstration in Normandy. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
On Sunday, 50 soldiers were unloaded from four helicopters before breaking into an enemy camp. Minutes later, another helicopter delivered supplies by sling load. Drones were also used for reconnaissance.
In addition to highlighting the advances and honoring the sacrifices of earlier soldiers, the event showed support for the values they fought for, Norman said.
“It’s important that we come together on this piece of terrain to reaffirm our commitment to those values, freedom and democracy, particularly now when aggressors worldwide are threatening those,” he said.
In past years, more veterans were on hand to recount their memories of D-Day. But with a dwindling number of them still alive, organizers in Normandy have been looking at new commemoration options.
Commander of the 101st Airborne Division Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia watches his troops conduct an air assault demonstration in Normandy, France, on June 2, 2024. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, said this was a major factor in the extent of its participation this year. In years past, the unit mostly just laid wreaths or made an appearance at the D-Day commemorations in Normandy.
“It’s about ensuring that we maintain this connection between the 101st and Normandy for the future,” Sylvia said.
After participating in the air assault drill, 1st Lt. Jason Rogers said the link feels strong despite the drastic differences between World War II and today.
“What we do, even if it’s not the same, it’s still demonstrating that we remember history and that we care about the community here, too,” Rogers said.
The airborne landing on D-Day in support of the seaborne assault was considered crucial to the success of the entire invasion.
The 101st Airborne Division was less than two years old at the time.
A soldier with the 101st Airborne Division cuts through concertina wire during an air assault demonstration in Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024, part of D-Day commemoration events in Normandy. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division participate in an air assault demonstration in Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024. Soldiers of the 101st liberated the town 80 years ago after landing by parachute on D-Day. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
A soldier with the 101st Airborne Division stands guard during an air assault demonstration in Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024, as part of D-Day commemoration events in Normandy. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division participate in an air assault demonstration in Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division participate in an air assault demonstration in Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024. During World War II, the unit liberated the town after landing by parachute on D-Day. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
Seizing Carentan was seen as essential for connecting to the American landing beaches, Utah and Omaha, and establishing a defensive line against German counterattacks.
Following success at Normandy, the 101st participated in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. Its efforts in France and Germany contributed significantly to the Nazis’ defeat.
In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, members of the 101st Airborne Division deployed to Europe to assure NATO allies and deter Russian aggression on the Continent, marking the division’s first European deployment in nearly 80 years.
“The division is still here, still protecting us in Europe,” Denis van den Brink, a consultant who works with Carentan officials on their D-Day events, said Sunday. “We want them to keep coming and reminding the people they liberated all those years ago.”
A helicopter brings in supplies during an air assault demonstration in Carentan, France, on June 2, 2024, marking the start of events in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)
