U.S. Army World War II Issue 11th Airborne Division Distinctive Insignia (DI)

The 11th Airborne Division ("Angels") was a United States Army airborne formation, first activated on 25 February 1943, during World War II. The unit underwent rigorous training throughout that year.

Held in reserve in the United States for the first half of 1944, in June the division was transferred to the Pacific Theater of Operations. Upon arrival it entered a period of intense training and acclimatization, and by November was judged combat ready. The 11th Airborne saw its first action on the island of Leyte in the Philippines, but in a traditional infantry role.

In January 1945 the division took part in the invasion of Luzon. The division conducted its first airborne operation, a combat drop on the Tagaytay Ridge. The 11th Airborne Division also participated in the Liberation of Manila, and portions of the division conducted an audacious raid on the Los Baños internment camp, liberating two thousand civilians.

The 11th Airborne's last combat operation of World War II was in the north of Luzon around Aparri, in aid of combined American and Philippine forces who were battling to subdue the remaining Japanese resistance on the island.

On 30 August 1945 the division was sent to southern Japan as part of the occupation force.

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