This large-format book takes the reader on an illustrated tour of the US Army's hard-hitting airborne forces, from the original Parachute Test Platoon of 1940, to the multiple global commitment of the 21st century.

Airborne operations of World War II in Europe and the Pacific begin an inspiring story that leads through Korea nd Vietnam to the present day. Besides the operations, the book also gives prominence to the men of these elite units, and especially those who received the highest US award for heroism, the Medal of Honor.

Featuring more than 150 photographs, some rare or seldom seen, the work highlights the extraordinary history of the airborne units as they added new dimensions to military operations, arriving from the sky by parachute and aircraft and compressing time by their swift deployment. This book is published in cooperation with the Association of the United States Army.

John T. Greenwood served as editor of Karl-Heinz Frieser's The Blitzkrieg Legend. Clifton Berry Jr. is the author of United States Army at War: 9/11 through Iraq.