4:502 IN

• Origins: The 4th Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment (4/502 IN), is part of the historic 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, which was activated in 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia. • World War II Service: The 502nd PIR, including what would become 4/502 IN, was one of the first parachute regiments of the U.S. Army and played a key role in the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944. • D-Day Actions: The regiment parachuted behind enemy lines before dawn on D-Day, helping to capture causeways and bridges critical to the success of the Allied invasion. • Battle of the Bulge: The 502nd, including its later battalions, fought valiantly in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, enduring harsh winter conditions and heavy enemy attacks. • Vietnam War: The 4th Battalion, 502nd Infantry (reflagged from previous units), was activated and deployed to Vietnam, where it participated in numerous combat operations and earned several unit commendations. • Air Assault Pioneer: In the 1970s, 4/502 IN became part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), helping to pioneer air assault tactics that are a hallmark of modern U.S. infantry operations. • Operation Desert Storm: 4/502 IN deployed with the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War in 1990-1991, conducting air assault operations deep into Iraqi territory. • Global War on Terrorism: The battalion has served multiple combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency, stability, and support operations. • Nickname and Symbolism: The 502nd PIR is known as the "Five-Oh-Deuce" and is represented by the spade symbol on its regimental insignia, signifying its original assignment as the 101st Airborne Division's first parachute regiment. • Legacy of Sacrifice: Throughout its history, 4/502 IN and the 502nd Regiment as a whole have produced numerous Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Silver Star recipients, reflecting a legacy of heroism and sacrifice.