Screaming Eagles: Sharing an important past . . .

Talking to scouts at Eisenhower National Historic Site on
D-Day anniversary weekend, June 2011.

Our Mission:
The Screaming Eagles WWII 101st Airborne Living History Group was formed out of a want for authenticity within the airborne reenacting community. Although this is currently a small squad-sized organization, we hope to grow over time. We strive to portray the basic combat airborne soldier of World War Two—tired, dirty, and hungry. The Screaming Eagles Living History Group experienced it’s “baptism of fire” while participating in an annual public history encampment at Penn State Altoona, and continues to attend other living-history events. Many of us became interested in World War Two history because of a relative or neighbor who served in the conflict, and are drawn to the thought of portraying the life of a combat soldier. We would like to formally and graciously thank all those who served in some manner during World War Two—soldier, sailor, marine, airman (male or female), and all those back home who helped the war effort (workers and family members). Furthermore, we invite fellow history enthusiasts to join us!

Brief History of the 101st Prior to Operation Overlord:
On 15 August 1942, the newly formed 101st Airborne Division was activated at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana with recently promoted Major General William C. Lee commanding. At the activation ceremony, Maj. Gen. Lee observed, “The 101st... has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny.” Though the first part of his statement was not entirely true, the second certainly was. In October 1942 the division moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and began its training under the Airborne Command. By the spring of 1943 the division was ready to face its first test in local maneuvers. Immediately following these maneuvers, the 101st left to take part in the Tennessee maneuvers—a larger scale operation. The division returned to Fort Bragg to continue training and perform various airborne demonstrations for visiting officials until mid-August, when it received orders for transfer overseas. Upon arriving in England on 5 September, the 101st was quartered in Wiltshire and Berkshire, where it continued extensive training operations. While training in England, the 101st participated in three formal exercises: Beaver, Tiger, and Eagle. Operation Eagle, held during the second week of May, was the division's dress rehearsal for its role in the Normandy invasion.

Join us and experience history firsthand!