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Approaching from the west across the Cotentin Peninsula, the aircraft carrying the 101st encountered low clouds and began to disperse. Enemy anti-aircraft fire added to the confusion, resulting in a widely scattered drop. Still, once on the ground, the paratroops began to quickly assemble into fighting units, often with men from other units, including the 82nd. With the beach exits secured, the 101st proceeded with its other mission of capturing Carentan. On June 10, a bayonet charge by the 502nd was instrumental in the capture of the city. The division fought off German counterattacks until relieved by the 83rd infantry Division on June 27 and by July 13, the 101st had been returned to England to prepare for its next challenge.

On the eve of D-Day, many U.S. paratroopers -- partly to make their appearance more fearsome and partly to relieve pre-invasion tension -- shaved their heads bald except for a strip in the middle. Because of its resemblance to the traditional scalplock worn by some Native American warriors (and with a little help from Hollywood westerns), this hairstyle came to be known as the "Mohawk". Some pathfinders also added "warpaint" to complete the effect.