Forest Hill in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Camp Claiborne, LA
Birthplace of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 28, 2018
1. Camp Claiborne, LA Marker
Here at Camp Claiborne the 82nd Infantry Division, "All American" of WWI fame was reactivated on March 25, 1942, under the command of Major General Omar Bradley. On June 26, 1942, Major General Bradley was reassigned to Camp Livingston, Louisiana, and was replaced by Major General Matthew Ridgway. The 82nd Infantry was divided to form two airborne divisions. The 82nd Airborne was activated on Aug. 15, 1942, and the 101st Airborne was activated on August 16, 1942. Major General Ridgway commanded the 82nd and Major General William Lee commanded the 101st. Major General Lee would retire due to illness and be replaced by General Maxwell Taylor.
The 82nd Airborne trained extensively in North Africa for the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky). They fought in Sicily then Italy until withdrawn to prepare for the Normandy invasion. The 82nd then fought in France (Normandy Invasion) Holland (Operation Market Garden), Belgium (Ardennes), and Germany.
The 101st Airborne's "Screaming Eagles” fought in France (Normandy Invasion) Holland (Operation Market Garden), and, most famously, in the defense of Bastogne during the "Battle of the Bulge”. For the heroic defense of Bastogne the 101st was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. The 101st finished the war in Germany.
Both Divisions have continued to serve and
this page online
Erected by Kisatchie National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, World II.
Location. 31° 4.389′ N, 92° 31.357′ W. Marker is in Forest Hill, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is on State Highway 112 west of U.S. 165, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Forest Hill LA 71430, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Training At Camp Claiborne / Life At Camp Claiborne (here, next to this marker); Central Louisiana's Role in World War II (here, next to this marker); African -American Soldiers at Camp Claiborne (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Camp Claiborne (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Camp Claiborne (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Camp Claiborne (approx. 0.8 miles away); Locomotive Graveyard (approx. 5 miles away); Clyde Log Skidder (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Forest Hill.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 28, 2018
2. Camp Claiborne, LA Marker
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 28, 2018
3. Entrance to Camp Claiborne
September 28, 2018
4. Former entrance to HQ of 82nd Airborne
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 30, 2018.
