Japan: August 30, 1945-April 1949
Landing at Atsugi, the Angels quickly secured the airfield for the arrival of Generals Robert Eichelberger and Douglas MacArthur, for whom the 11th Airborne provided an Honor Guard until after the Surrender Ceremonies onboard the USS Missouri on September 1. The Angels also guarded MacArthur's Yokohama HQ at the New Grand Hotel before the division was spread throughout northern Honshu for occupation duty. The division became noted for its good behavior and positive examples of democracy and compassion and helped solidify the bond between the United States and Japan that exists today.