173rd Airborne Brigade

173rd Airborne Brigade Welcome to the official page of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade. This is a place to connect, share and tell us what you think.
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To our incredible community of supporters, veterans, families, and friends:For years, it has been an absolute privilege ...
22/07/2026

To our incredible community of supporters, veterans, families, and friends:

For years, it has been an absolute privilege to share the stories, triumphs, and daily lives of our paratroopers with you on this platform. Your unwavering support, encouraging comments, and shared pride mean the world to us.

Recently, Army leadership issued new guidance (Army Directive 2026-17) aimed at streamlining and consolidating its official social media footprint. In compliance with this directive, we will be archiving and permanently closing this account by July 30, 2026.

While this specific page is closing, our mission—and our story—continues. The dedication of our Sky Soldiers remains as strong as ever, and we want you to stay connected with us into our next chapter.

Here is how you can continue to follow our journey and stay updated on all our operations:

💻 Bookmark our official website:
https://www.skysoldiers.army.mil/

📱 Follow our higher headquarters on Instagram:

🌐 Visit the U.S. Army Europe and Africa website: www.europeafrica.army.mil

Thank you for being such an amazing part of our digital family. We look forward to seeing you over on our website and through our higher headquarters’ channels.

Sky Soldiers! Airborne all the way! 🪂

To our incredible community of supporters, veterans, families, and friends:For years, it has been an absolute privilege ...
22/07/2026

To our incredible community of supporters, veterans, families, and friends:

For years, it has been an absolute privilege to share the stories, triumphs, and daily lives of our paratroopers with you on this platform. Your unwavering support, encouraging comments, and shared pride mean the world to us.

Recently, Army leadership issued new guidance (Army Directive 2026-17) aimed at streamlining and consolidating its official social media footprint. In compliance with this directive, we will be archiving and permanently closing this account by July 30, 2026.

While this specific page is closing, our mission—and our story—continues. The dedication of our Sky Soldiers remains as strong as ever, and we want you to stay connected with us into our next chapter.

Here is how you can continue to follow our journey and stay updated on all our operations:

💻 Bookmark our official website:
https://www.skysoldiers.army.mil/

📱 Follow our higher headquarters on Instagram: U.S. Army Europe and Africa

🌐 Visit the U.S. Army Europe and Africa website: www.europeafrica.army.mil

Thank you for being such an amazing part of our digital family. We look forward to seeing you over on our website and through our higher headquarters’ channels.

Sky Soldiers! Airborne all the way! 🪂

Fifty-seven years is a long time to wait. But for SP4 Raymond Williams, the wait is finally over.On New Year's Eve, Dec....
02/07/2026

Fifty-seven years is a long time to wait. But for SP4 Raymond Williams, the wait is finally over.

On New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1968, 19-year-old Williams was medevac'd out of the Central Highlands of Vietnam after an enemy AK-47 round fractured his arm in two places and lacerated the nerve leading to his forearm and thumb. He was his unit's M60 gunner, wounded in action during what he called "a small firefight." On Aug. 25, 1969, permanently disabled from his combat wounds, he was medically retired. The Purple Heart he had earned was never awarded.

Last month, that changed.

After Williams told his daughter, Kelly, that he wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and finally receive the recognition he was owed, she filed the paperwork with the National Personnel Records Center. When the medal arrived, she reached out to the Army, hoping for a ceremony during a family trip to Washington, D.C.

Master Sgt. Virginia Crutchfield, a Soldier on a one-year tour at U.S. Army Headquarters, had nine days to make it happen. She handled every detail, from securing space at the Pentagon to arranging homemade brownies and cake, driven by what she knew soldiers of Williams' generation faced when they came home.

"When I go out, people see me in uniform and say, thank you for your service, with a smile, sometimes with a hug," Crutchfield said. "In their time, they didn't."

Williams arrived that morning expecting a tour. He left with his Purple Heart, presented by Army Reserve Ambassador and retired Maj. Gen. Phillip Churn Sr., surrounded by his daughter Kelly, sons Eric and Mark, and 8-year-old grandson Fynn, who had practiced a speech for weeks while keeping the secret.

"The medal was always his," Churn said. "Today, we pin it where it has always belonged."

Williams had one word for what the moment meant to him: "Closure."

🔗 in comments.



Honoring courage, resilience, and humanity.  joined service members of the Franco-German Brigade at La Billionnerie Farm...
17/06/2026

Honoring courage, resilience, and humanity.

joined service members of the Franco-German Brigade at La Billionnerie Farm in Carentan, France, June 2, 2026, to commemorate the extraordinary actions of the Duchemin family during World War II. As we remember those who fought for freedom, we also honor the civilians whose courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of history.

U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Christopher Sanchez

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Where legends jumped into history.   continue the legacy. 173rd Airborne Brigade paratroopers jumped alongside Allied pa...
12/06/2026

Where legends jumped into history. continue the legacy.

173rd Airborne Brigade paratroopers jumped alongside Allied partners onto the historical Iron Mike drop zone in Normandy, France, June 7, 2026 in commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

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U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Catessa Palone and Sgt. Christopher Sanchez

Every mission begins with Soldiers who uphold the highest standards.   continue to demonstrate the combat-ready mindset ...
03/06/2026

Every mission begins with Soldiers who uphold the highest standards.

continue to demonstrate the combat-ready mindset that defines our force while maintaining discipline through unwavering professionalism. Battalions selected Soldiers and non-commissioned officers to compete in a brigade “Soldier of the Year” and “NCO of the Year” board.

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U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Christopher Sanchez

 , Italian Armed Forces personnel, and medical teams gathered at Caserma Del Din for the brigade’s inaugural integrated ...
29/05/2026

, Italian Armed Forces personnel, and medical teams gathered at Caserma Del Din for the brigade’s inaugural integrated medical training exercise. The training refined evacuation planning, prolonged care, medical C2, and interoperability across the formation.

Through disciplined training and empowered leaders, the brigade strengthened its ability to deliver medical support and execute in complex environments at the time of need.

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25/05/2026

On May 21, 2026, the 173rd Airborne Brigade held a Memorial Day ceremony at Caserma Del Din. Paratroopers, leaders and community members gathered to honor the fallen and inaugurate three new memorials.

Through remembrance, remain committed to the legacy of those who served before them.

U.S. Army video by Sgt. C’Jay Spence

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20/05/2026

Shoot. Move. Communicate.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade execute a live-fire exercise at Cap Draa, Tan Tan, Morocco, Apr. 26, 2026, during African Lion 2026 (AL26).

Disciplined training prepares to deploy into uncertainty and execute at the time of need.

U.S. Army video by Spc. Izaiah Daniels

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