The 101st Airborne Division and the legacy of the iconic ‘screaming eagle’

The 101st Airborne Division, famously chronicled in Stephen Ambroses Band of Brothers, has participated in every major American conflict, from parachuting into Normandy on D-Day to engagements in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Its emblema bald eagle in flight set against a black shieldis among the most iconic symbols in the U.S. Army. Yet the story behind this insignia is less widely known.

While the bald eagle represents the United States, the 101sts screaming eagle patch honors a real-life Civil War warbird. In 1861, a young bald eagle was captured by Ahgamahwegezhig (Chief Big Sky) of the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe and sold to Daniel McCann of Chippewa County, Wisconsin, for a bushel of corn. Initially kept as a pet, the rapidly growing eagle became costly to maintain. McCann eventually sold the bird for $2.50 to Capt. John E. Perkins of the militia company Eau Claire Badgers. Named Old Abe after President Abraham Lincoln, the eagle became a mascot for the 8th Wisconsin Infantry.

When Perkins company entered federal service as Company C, 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Old Abe accompanied them into battle, earning the nickname Eagle Regiment. Carried on a pole during combat, the eagle witnessed 37 engagements, including fierce battles at Vicksburg and Corinth. After Perkins death in 1862, Old Abe continued with the regiment as an official member.

Between battles, Old Abe entertained troops by spreading his wings and dancing, while also earning a reputation for stealing food. His presence inspired soldiers, and enemy forces recognized his symbolic importance. Confederate General Sterling Price reportedly declared he would rather capture the eagle than an entire brigade or several battle flags. Despite these threats, Old Abe remained safely with the Wisconsin unit until it mustered out in 1864.

Following the war, Old Abe was given to the state of Wisconsin and spent his remaining years in the state capitol or displayed at events. Unfortunately, his conditions deteriorated over time, and he eventually succumbed to illness following a small fire in 1881. Despite his death, Old Abes legacy endures.

In 1921, the 101st Airborne adopted Old Abe as its official insignia, cementing the eagles image as a symbol of courage, airborne prowess, and combat excellence. Today, the screaming eagle continues to be one of the most recognized emblems in the U.S. Army.

Author: Lucas Grant