101st Airborne

IN OUR MUSEUM: A monthly writeup from an artifact located in the Van Zandt County Veterans Museum in Canton, Texas. This week we highlight the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne (case #14(SF,) & #21 Afghanistan)

The long and storied history of the Armies 101st Airborne, commonly known as the “Screaming Eagles” have been well documented and countless books and movies have been produced about the fighting men of the 101.

The 2001 HBO Documentary, “Band of Brothers” follows the 101st Airborne from the airdrop behind German lines at Normandy to “The Battle of the Bulge,” in Belgium.

The “Battered Bastards of Bastogne,” is one of many great books about the 101st Airborne in the Battle of the Bulge, December 19, 1944-January 17, 1945. The unit was completely surrounded by Germans. Due to weather conditions the ground troops were low on food and ammunition in the month-long battle. Finally, on December 26th, the clouds cleared and a much-needed re-supply drop was made.

When the Germans asked the allies to surrender, the answer from Army General Anthony McAuliffe was, “US SURRENDER, AW NUTS.” It was the last major battle of the Third Reich.

IN OUR MUSEUM is displayed the proud patch of the 101st Division along with the combat boots of Special Forces veteran Jerry Powell from Wills Point. Jerry spent tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan and his time with the 101st is documented in our series MEET OUR VETERANS.

The VZC Veterans Memorial Museum is open Tuesday thru Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is FREE.