XVIII ABN CORPS

• Founding and World War II: The XVIII Airborne Corps ("Sky Dragons") was activated on 17 January 1942 at Camp Polk, Louisiana, and played a significant role in World War II, including actions in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. • Battle of the Bulge: The Corps was instrumental in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stop the German offensive at Bastogne alongside the 101st Airborne Division. • Operation Market Garden: Elements of the Corps participated in Operation Market Garden, the ambitious Allied airborne operation in the Netherlands in 1944. • Nickname and Insignia: The XVIII Airborne Corps is nicknamed the "Sky Dragons." Its shoulder sleeve insignia features a dragon upon an oval, symbolizing power and airborne capabilities. • Post-WWII and Cold War: After WWII, the Corps was inactivated but later reactivated in 1951. It became a key strategic reserve during the Cold War, ready to deploy worldwide on short notice. • Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, XVIII Airborne Corps was the headquarters for Operation Urgent Fury, the U.S. invasion of Grenada. • Gulf War Leadership: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the Corps commanded the largest airborne operation since WWII and led the famous "left hook" maneuver that enveloped Iraqi forces. • Current Location: The Corps is headquartered at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina, which is known as the "Home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces." • Rapid Deployment Force: The XVIII Airborne Corps is the U.S. Army’s primary strategic response force, capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours. • Recent Operations: The Corps has played major roles in Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom, as well as providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.