About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (2/503rd), known as "The Rock," is a distinguished airborne infantry unit in the United States Army. Originally activated in 1941, the battalion earned acclaim during World War II as part of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, participating in notable campaigns such as the liberation of Corregidor in the Philippines. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the 2/503rd served with valor as part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, taking part in major operations like the Battle of Dak To. In recent decades, the unit has continued its legacy of excellence with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, upholding its proud airborne traditions.
Historical Facts
• Origins in WWII: The 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment traces its roots back to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, which was activated in 1942 during World War II.
• Corregidor Jump: In February 1945, the battalion participated in the famous airborne assault to retake Corregidor Island, Philippines, making a hazardous parachute drop onto "The Rock" to liberate it from Japanese forces.
• Vietnam War Deployment: The 2/503rd was among the first U.S. Army units to arrive in Vietnam, deploying with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in 1965 and engaging in multiple major operations.
• Battle of Dak To: In November 1967, the battalion fought in the grueling Battle of Dak To, notably during the assault on Hill 875, where it suffered heavy casualties but displayed extraordinary valor.
• Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from the 2/503rd received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in Vietnam, including Specialist Lawrence Joel, the first living African American to receive the award since the Spanish–American War.
• Nickname "The Rock": The battalion is nicknamed "The Rock" in honor of its actions on Corregidor Island, and members proudly wear the "Rock" insignia.
• Jump into Iraq: The 2/503rd participated in Operation Northern Delay in 2003, making a historic combat parachute jump into northern Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• Global Deployments: The battalion has seen action in multiple conflicts, including World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, maintaining a reputation for excellence in airborne operations.
• Part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade: Known as "Sky Soldiers," the 2/503rd is an integral unit of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, the U.S. Army's Europe-based airborne rapid response force.
• Distinguished Unit Citations: The battalion and its parent regiment have received numerous unit awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for their gallantry and distinguished service in combat.
