🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: 11th Airborne Division Raises First Flag Over Japan.

78 years ago today our 11th Airborne Division Angels raised the first American flag over Japan at the Atsugi Airfield on August 30, 1945 during our historic landings there!

"After MG Joseph Swing’s staff set up the first Allied CP in Japan at 0730 in Clifton’s selected hangar (with one table and one chair), William 'Bill' F. Rudolph of the 511th Airborne Signals Company stood by his orders to guard the ultra-secret SIGABA code machine as Swing established contact with MacArthur’s HQ in Manila.

Ten minutes later a photographer for Life told Rudolph to come help raise the American flag, perhaps hoping to capture a Joe Rosenthal-esque photo. Knowing he had to guard the SIGABA machine, Rudolph declined.

Instead, the first American flag on Japan’s homeland was raised atop the building by William’s 511th Signals buddies LT Edward Jacobs and PFC Rex Pack with Alfred 'Al' Cottone’s help (Pack was later honored by his hometown for this act). They used some pipe and nailed the 'pole' to a support beam to keep it upright.

"The Americans on the airstrip looked up at the flag with pride. It was a historic moment that, to the victorious Angels, symbolized freedom, and America’s resilience and sacrifices during the war.

RHQ-511’s 1LT Foster Arnett, who was recovering from his wounds in the states, shared the feelings of many that day: 'I’m a big fan of this country; I really am.

I think we got a lot of flaws... but, generally speaking we are greatest nation in the history of the world...'"

Text taken from the book DOWN FROM HEAVEN: THE 11TH AIRBORNE DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II - VOLUME 2 LUZON CAMPAIGN AND OCCUPATION OF JAPAN by author and historian Jeremy C. Holm

Down From Heaven Comes Eleven! Airborne All the Way!

-JCH 11th Airborne Division Association - "Angels"

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