National Airborne Day National Airborne Day is a day designated by the United States Congress to honor the nation ' s airborne forces of the Armed Forces . It was created in 2001 by George W . Bush . History . August 16 , 1940 marked the first official Army parachute jump , validating the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by parachute . On August 14 , 2002 President George W . Bush issued the following proclamation : The history of airborne forces began after World War I , when Brigadier General William Mitchell first conceived the idea of parachuting troops into combat . Eventually , under the leadership of Major William Lee at Fort Benning , Georgia , members of the Parachute Test Platoon pioneered methods of combat jumping in 1940 . In November 1942 , members of the 2nd Battalion , 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment , conducted America ' s first combat jump , leaping from a C - 47 aircraft behind enemy lines in North Africa . This strategy revolutionized combat and established airborne forces as a key component of our military . During World War II , airborne tactics were critical to the success of important missions , including the D - Day invasion at Normandy , the Battle of the Bulge , the invasion of Southern France , and many others . In Korea and Vietnam , airborne soldiers played a critical combat role , as well as in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations , including Panama , Grenada , Desert Storm , Haiti , Somalia , and the Balkans . Most recently , airborne forces were vital to liberating the people of Afghanistan from the repressive and violent Taliban regime ; and these soldiers continue to serve proudly around the world in the global coalition against terrorism . The elite airborne ranks include prestigious groups such as the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team , " Sky Soldiers , " 82nd Airborne Division , " All American , " and the " Screaming Eagles " of the 101st Airborne Division ( Air Assault ) . Airborne forces have also been represented in the former 11th , 13th , and 17th Airborne Divisions and numerous other Airborne , glider and air assault units and regiments . Paratroopers in the Army ' s XVIII Airborne Corps , the 75th Infantry ( Ranger ) Regiment and other Special Forces units conduct swift and effective operations in defense of peace and freedom . Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky soldiers . Often called into action with little notice , these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication , excellence , and honor . As we face the challenges of a new era , I encourage all people to recognize the contributions of these courageous soldiers to our Nation and the world . Now , therefore , I , George W . Bush , President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States , do hereby proclaim August 16 , 2002 , as National Airborne Day . As we commemorate the first official Army parachute jump on August 16 , 1940 , I encourage all Americans to join me in honoring the thousands of soldiers , past and present , who have served in an airborne capacity . I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs , ceremonies , and activities . In Witness Whereof , I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of August , in the year of our Lord two thousand two , and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty - seventh . George W . Bush On August 3 , 2009 the Senate recognized National Airborne Day with Senate Resolution 235 . North Georgia Airborne Association celebrated National Airborne Day at Currahee - Camp Toccoa , Toccoa , GA . www . nga - airborne - assoc . org North Georgia Airborne Association - www . nga - airborne - assoc . org ] See also . www . nga - airborne - assoc . org = = External links = =