1:509th Infantry

• Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry traces its lineage to the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first American airborne unit to see combat during World War II. • First U.S. Combat Jump in Europe: The 509th made the first American combat parachute assault in North Africa during Operation Torch on November 8, 1942, jumping into Algeria. • Italian Campaign: The battalion fought in the tough mountains of Italy, including the bitter battles at Anzio, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. • “Geronimo!” Battle Cry: The unit adopted “Geronimo!” as its battle cry, a tradition started by early U.S. paratroopers. • Role as OPFOR: Today, 1/509th Infantry serves as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana, training thousands of soldiers annually. • Nickname – “Geronimo” and “Red Devils”: The battalion is known by both nicknames, reflecting its airborne heritage and fierce reputation. • Decorations: The unit has earned multiple awards, including the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and the Belgian Fourragere for its World War II service. • Unique Uniform Distinctions: Members of the 1/509th often wear the maroon beret and a special OPFOR patch, distinguishing them from other units. • Cold War Deployments: Post-WWII, the 509th served in Germany as part of NATO forces, helping to deter Soviet aggression. • Legacy of Innovation: The 509th was among the first to pioneer airborne tactics, and continues to innovate as the primary training adversary for deploying U.S. Army units.