The Army’s 82nd Airborne Division is no stranger to fighting against Nazi symphathizers — just not usually in the United States.
The elite infantry division, which specializes in parachute assault, helped liberate prisoners from Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The division, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will still confront expressions of hate. Especially, as the Twitter universe found out on Monday, if that comes from someone sporting 82nd Airborne paraphernalia.
On Saturday, a former Obama administration official tweeted a picture of a man wearing a division hat and making a gesture resembling a Nazi or Ku Klux Klan salute. It was taken by journalist Katie Couric during a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Would *LOVE* to know the name of Mr. 82nd Airborne Division here rendering Hitler's Nazi salute. The 82nd jumped into Normandy on D-Day. pic.twitter.com/oObJNgXzEI
— Brandon Friedman (@BFriedmanDC) August 13, 2017
When another Twitter user brought the photo to the 82nd Airborne’s attention, they had a very clear response: “Anyone can purchase that hat. Valor is earned.”
Anyone can purchase that hat. Valor is earned. pic.twitter.com/qk6rQHBwui
— All American 💯 (@82ndABNDiv) August 14, 2017
The tweets sparked more comments between other Twitter users and the 82nd Airborne.
How about this fella? What sort of valor did HE earn with the Sieging and the Heiling here? Anyone? Bueller?https://t.co/GhRCAwgSBu
— Andy French ಠ_ಠ (@R0G3R5R4NG3R5) August 14, 2017
The division replied that anyone who believes the man in the photo represents the 82nd’s ”culture and values has never worn the maroon beret ... and never will.”
The unit’s Twitter account also pointed out the difference between being an active member and simply wearing a hat bearing its insignia:
U really think that guy is an active member of the 82nd just because he has that hat? My mom has that same hat. She's 78 & has never served
— All American 💯 (@82ndABNDiv) August 14, 2017
When asked who is the man in the photo, the division replied, ”Who knows?” and posted a photo of an “All American Paratrooper” who served with the 82nd Airborne during World War II.
Who knows? THIS is what an All American Paratrooper looks like. Rock Merritt jumped into Normandy on D Day, Njiemgen, fought in Bulge pic.twitter.com/vaps5fU0jb
— All American 💯 (@82ndABNDiv) August 14, 2017
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
