Description

The 82nd Airborne Paratrooper minifigure pays tribute to one of the most legendary American airborne divisions of World War II. Known as the “All American” division, the 82nd Airborne was the first U.S. airborne division to be activated in 1942, and its paratroopers quickly earned a reputation for daring, courage, and adaptability in some of the war’s most dangerous missions.

One of the most famous deployments of the 82nd came during Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. This was the division’s first combat jump, and despite issues with weather, navigation, and scattered drops, the paratroopers achieved their objectives and disrupted Axis defenses, marking the beginning of their storied combat record.

The 82nd Airborne’s role expanded during D-Day, June 6, 1944, when thousands of paratroopers were dropped into Normandy behind enemy lines as part of Operation Neptune. Their mission was to secure key roadways, bridges, and towns to block German reinforcements from reaching the beaches. Though scattered across the French countryside, units regrouped and played a vital role in holding towns such as Sainte-Mère-Église — making the 82nd an essential factor in the success of the invasion.

Later in the war, the division saw action in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, tasked with seizing key river crossings. Despite determined resistance and supply shortages, the 82nd distinguished itself in battles around Nijmegen. The division’s grit was further tested during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, when they were rushed to Belgium to help stem the German counteroffensive in the Ardennes. Their stubborn defence against armoured assaults helped secure Allied lines during one of the war’s pivotal moments.

The legacy of the 82nd Airborne has continued beyond WWII, with deployments in conflicts from Vietnam to the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Their distinctive maroon berets and reputation as an elite rapid-deployment force ensure their place at the forefront of American military history.

In popular culture, the 82nd Airborne has been immortalized in modern television, most notably through the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, which portrayed the paratroopers of the 101st Airborne but often referenced the 82nd as their sister division in Normandy operations. Documentaries and films continue to highlight their role in D-Day and beyond, cementing their reputation as some of the bravest soldiers of the war.

This minifigure captures that heritage, with printed parachute harnesses, netted helmet, and an expression that reflects the tension of a night jump into enemy territory. Perfect for collectors, history enthusiasts, and builders alike, the 82nd Airborne Paratrooper minifigure is both a tribute and a teaching tool — a reminder of the courage of the “All Americans.”

Includes:

• 1 82nd Airborne Paratrooper minifigure disassembled
• 1 replica M3A1 Submachine Gun ‘Grease gun’

Pcs: 9

Age rating: 14+