About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (1/504th PIR) is a distinguished unit of the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army. Activated in 1942, the battalion parachuted into Sicily and Italy during World War II and famously crossed the Waal River under heavy fire during Operation Market Garden. Throughout its history, the 1/504th PIR has deployed to numerous global hotspots, including the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Renowned for its esprit de corps and combat effectiveness, the unit continues to serve as a rapid deployment force for the United States.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (1/504th PIR) was activated in 1942, becoming part of the newly formed 82nd Airborne Division, the first division-sized airborne unit in the U.S. Army.
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First Combat Jump: The battalion made its first combat jump during Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, marking one of the earliest large-scale airborne operations in history.
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Salerno and “Devils in Baggy Pants”: During the Salerno landings in Italy (Operation Avalanche), the Germans dubbed the paratroopers the "Devils in Baggy Pants" after reading a diary entry from a fallen paratrooper, a nickname that stuck.
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Operation Market Garden: 1/504th PIR participated in the largest airborne operation of WWII, jumping into the Netherlands in September 1944. They successfully seized key bridges and defended against fierce German counterattacks.
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Battle of the Bulge: The battalion was rushed to Belgium in December 1944 to help hold the line during the Battle of the Bulge, playing a vital role in defending the town of Cheneux and halting the German advance.
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Three Presidential Unit Citations: The 504th PIR is one of few units awarded three Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in combat during WWII (Sicily, Salerno, and Nijmegen).
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“Red Devils” Insignia: The battalion is known for its “Red Devils” nickname and distinctive red devil patch, reflecting both their tenacity and the moniker given by German soldiers.
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Cold War and Beyond: After WWII, 1/504th PIR served in various roles, including peacekeeping in the Dominican Republic (Operation Power Pack, 1965), and numerous deployments during the Cold War.
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Modern Deployments: The battalion has deployed multiple times in support of operations in Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), Panama (Operation Just Cause), the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, maintaining its reputation as an elite airborne infantry unit.
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Paratrooper Legacy: The 1/504th PIR continues to uphold the proud airborne tradition, regularly participating in high-profile parachute jumps, joint exercises, and serving as a rapid reaction force for the United States worldwide.
