11th Airborne Division Commanders Quotes

“Wherever the 11th Airborne Division may be assigned, and whatever may be its duty, our country may rest secure in the firm belief that this mighty division of ‘Angels’ will give a good account of itself, wholly in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States armed forces and the spirit of the people of the free world.”

- Major General Joseph “Jumping Joe” May Swing, commander, 11th Airborne Division, 1943-1948

“To the men of the 11th Airborne: You and you alone are setting the standards by which you and your unit shall be judged. And I further charge you to make your conduct such that you may take real pride in it, and that all may know the true traditionally high standard of our glorious Division.”

- Major General William M. "Bud" Miley, commander, 11th Airborne Division, 1948-1950

“I consider the 11th Airborne Division to be one of the finest military organizations in any army anywhere. Its airborne spirit symbolizes the best of us all our armed forces, and I look to this division to strengthen our armed forces to the point where the enemies of freedom decide never to test us in battle again.”

- Brigadier General Lyman L. "General Lem" Lemnitzer, commander, 11th Airborne Division, 1950-1950

"Whether the 11th Airborne continues as an instrument of Peace, or whether it faces an enemy in combat, I am fully confident that this airborne team will always contribute to the Division’s past achievements and to the honored traditions of Airborne.”

- Major General Hugh P. Harris, Commander, 11th Airborne Division (1956-1958)