Fort Bragg's Iron Mike Statue

By U.S. ArmyFebruary 25, 2013

Iron Mike
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Bragg's The Airborne Trooper is the newest Iron Mike statue. Known as the "Home of the Airborne," Fort Bragg hosts the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as the XVIII Airborne Corps. Sculpted by Leah Heibert in 1960 and 1961, using Sgt. Maj. James Runyon as a model, the statue depicts a World War II-era Airborne trooper with a Thompson submachine gun at the ready. The vision of former XVIII Airborne Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Robert F. Sink, the statue was not named for any one man or unit, but rather dedicated to all paratroopers; past, present and future. Originally installed at the southern entrance on Bragg Boulevard, the Airborne Trooper was moved to the traffic circle in front of the post headquarters in 1979 to prevent vandalism and increase visibility. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Caleb Barrieau)

RELATED STORIES