82nd Airborne Division Campaign Map

Across Sicily, Italy, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany, the 82nd Airborne Division's route stretched across nearly every major form of airborne and ground combat in the European war. After training in North Africa, the All American Division made parachute drops during the Sicilian campaign in July 1943 and later reinforced the Salerno beachhead in Italy. Elements also fought in the Winter Line and at Anzio before the division reassembled for the invasion of France.

On D-Day, the 82nd air-assaulted behind Utah Beach, landing around Sainte-Mere-Eglise, La Fiere, and the Merderet River. Its fighting helped secure the western flank of the beachhead and opened routes through the Cotentin. After returning to England, the division jumped again in September 1944 during Operation Market Garden, seizing bridges near Grave and Heumen and fighting for the Nijmegen-Groesbeek area.

The Ardennes counteroffensive brought the 82nd back into combat in December. It fought around Vielsalm, St. Vith, the Salm, and later the West Wall and Roer. In the final phase, the division served along the Rhine and then moved to the Elbe, where German forces surrendered in early May. Few routes in the series show an airborne division being shifted so often to decisive points across the European theater.

PAPER & PRINTING

Printed on archival-grade, acid-free matte fine-art paper with a natural surface for crisp detail, accurate color, and lasting display quality.