2:503rd Infantry

• 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.