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Decision Makers
On 13 December 1967, I arrived, with my staff at Bien Hoa
Air Base and reported to General Westmoreland, "The 101st Airborne
Division reports for combat in Vietnam." After a short in-country
training period, you were ready to meet and defeat the enemy. Uniting
with our 1st Brigade, the Division once again became a balanced
fighting force. You have written with blood and sweat, your place in
history, and continue to fulfill the Division's "Rendezvous with
Destiny" Bien Hoa, Phouc Vinh, Cu Chik, Song Be, Phan Rang, Phan
Thiet, Bao Loc, Hue, Phu Bai, Phouc Yen, La Chu, Veghel, Pinky,
Bastogne, Sally and Eagle are familiar names, recalling enduring
memories to us all.
MG. O. M. Barsanti
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Following the gallant precedents set by the 1st
Brigade the Screaming Eagles wasted little time bringing their awesome
might upon the enemy. A new generation of paratroopers began shaping
history as their predecessors had in Normandy, Holland and Bastogne.
From the defense of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon to the repulse of
the enemy in at hue, the Division quickly set the pattern that was to
spell success in its endeavors.
While waiting patiently waiting the time when the full Division
would be together once again, Screaming Eagles proved their
proficiency and flexibility as they fought side by side with the Army,
Navy, Air Force, and Marines.........both the ARVN and U.S.
The first year in Vietnam has been successful in every respect.
Men and units of the Division have defeated the Viet Cong
Infrastructure, paced the accomplishments of pacification, and have
fashioned model relationship with the ARVN units.
The 101st succeeded the only way it knows how........
"AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!"
MG. Melvin Zais
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