About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment (1-506 IN), known as "Currahee," was first activated in 1942 at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, as part of the famed 101st Airborne Division. The battalion saw distinguished service during World War II, participating in major operations such as D-Day (Normandy), Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. After periods of inactivation and reactivation, 1-506 IN served in the Vietnam War, earning numerous unit citations for valor. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its proud legacy of airborne and air assault infantry excellence.
Historical Facts
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Band of Brothers: The 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment ("1/506 Infantry") is famously depicted in the book and HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, which follows "Easy Company" of the 506th during World War II.
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Currahee Motto: The unit's nickname is "Currahee," a Cherokee word meaning "stands alone," which also refers to the mountain near their original training camp at Camp Toccoa, Georgia.
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D-Day Parachute Drop: On June 6, 1944, the 1/506th parachuted into Normandy as part of Operation Overlord, playing a vital role in the liberation of France.
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Battle of Bastogne: The battalion fought heroically during the Siege of Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge, holding their ground in freezing conditions despite being surrounded.
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Vietnam War Service: The 1/506th served with distinction in the Vietnam War, participating in major operations like Operation Texas Star and the Battle of Hamburger Hill.
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Modern Deployments: The unit has deployed multiple times in the Global War on Terrorism, including to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of frontline service.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Members of the 1/506th have received the Medal of Honor, including SSG Joseph E. Schaefer and SGT Ray E. Duke for their actions in WWII and Korea, respectively.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia features a parachute and wings, symbolizing its origins as an airborne unit, and a bayonet, representing infantry.
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Reactivation and Modern Role: The 1/506th has been activated and inactivated several times, but is currently part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
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Currahee Spirit: "Currahee!" is shouted as a rallying cry among unit members, honoring their heritage and the mountain they once ran up as part of their training.
