Subscribe
Gen. (Ret.) Richard A. Cody reflects on the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the evolution of Army aviation, from World War II to modern-day operations.
Cody describes the “Screaming Eagle” patch as more than an insignia, calling it a direct link to the soldiers who fought in Normandy, Bastogne and Vietnam. A self-described historian, he highlights the “unbelievable bravery” of the World War II generation and the enduring responsibility carried by today’s Soldiers.
As a lieutenant colonel during Operation Desert Storm, Cody led Task Force Normandy, a decisive Apache helicopter strike that disrupted Iraqi air defenses in the opening moments of the war. “We had to hit the targets at 2:38 in the morning,” he said. “It was four minutes and 30 seconds of chaos.” The mission cleared the way for coalition air operations and demonstrated the effectiveness of a highly trained, all-volunteer force.
Cody also discusses the Army’s investment in readiness through the National Training Center and Joint Readiness Training Center, as well as his role in the development of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the “Night Stalkers.” The unit pioneered night vision and low-level flight tactics now used across the force.
Throughout his career, which culminated as the Army’s 31st Vice Chief of Staff, Cody emphasized the importance of the Soldiers behind the mission. “Crew chiefs, maintainers, our armament guys—they make it happen,” he said.
Cody said today’s Soldiers continue to build on a legacy that stretches from the C-47s over Normandy to modern aviation operations, “standing on the shoulders” of those who came before.
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.19.2026 20:01 |
| Category: | Interviews |
| Video ID: | 1000242 |
| VIRIN: | 260227-A-LY473-5332 |
| Filename: | DOD_111585113 |
| Length: | 00:08:58 |
| Location: | CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE, US |
| Downloads: | 3 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 3 |
This work, General (Ret.) Richard A. Cody on the Legacy of the Screaming Eagles and the Dawn of Special Operations Aviation, by CPT Jennifer French, SFC Joshua Joyner and CPT Andrew Lightsey IV, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
