About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (1/325th AIR), is a distinguished airborne infantry unit of the U.S. Army, currently assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. The regiment was originally constituted in 1917 and has served with distinction in major conflicts, including World War II, where it participated in the Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe campaigns. In the postwar era, 1/325th AIR has deployed to operations such as Just Cause in Panama, Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Renowned for its rapid deployment capability, the battalion continues to uphold its legacy as part of “America’s Guard of Honor.”
Historical Facts
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Historic Lineage: The 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (1/325th AIR) traces its roots back to World War I, where it was originally constituted as part of the 82nd Division in 1917.
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World War II Airborne Operations: The 1/325th AIR played a critical role in some of the most significant airborne operations of WWII, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy and Operation Market Garden.
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“Red Falcons” Nickname: The battalion is famously known as the “Red Falcons,” a reference to its distinctive unit insignia and proud airborne tradition.
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Jumping into Normandy: On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), elements of the 325th glided into Normandy, reinforcing paratroopers on the ground during the liberation of France.
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Battle of the Bulge: The battalion was instrumental during the defense of Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to hold back German forces during the harsh winter of 1944.
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Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, 1/325th AIR remained part of the 82nd Airborne’s rapid deployment force, prepared to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice.
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Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, the battalion participated in the U.S. invasion of Grenada, conducting a combat jump to secure key objectives on the island.
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Global War on Terror: Since 2001, 1/325th AIR has deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting combat and stability operations as part of the Global War on Terror.
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Pioneers in Air Assault: The battalion has not only mastered airborne operations, but has also trained extensively in air assault tactics, maintaining versatility for a variety of missions.
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Distinctive Honors: The 1/325th AIR has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations and foreign awards for valor, including the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for its actions during World War II.
