507th PIR

• Formation and WWII Service: The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) was activated on July 20, 1942, at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. • Normandy Invasion: The 507th PIR parachuted into Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), as part of Operation Neptune, the airborne segment of Operation Overlord. • Scattered Drop: Due to heavy anti-aircraft fire, poor weather, and navigation errors, many paratroopers of the 507th were dropped far from their designated drop zones, leading to small units fighting isolated engagements across Normandy. • Medal of Honor Recipient: Private Joe Gandara of the 507th was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on June 9, 1944, near Amfreville, France. • Battle of Graignes: Elements of the 507th played a significant role in the defense of Graignes, France, where a small group of paratroopers and French civilians held off a larger German force for several days. • Transfer to 17th Airborne Division: After Normandy, the 507th PIR was reassigned to the newly formed 17th Airborne Division in August 1944 and participated in further airborne operations. • Operation Varsity: The 507th took part in Operation Varsity, the largest single-day airborne drop in history, on March 24, 1945, crossing the Rhine River into Germany. • Heavy Casualties: During Operation Varsity, the regiment faced fierce German resistance and suffered significant casualties, but achieved its objectives. • Post-War Legacy: The 507th was inactivated in September 1945 but was later reactivated as a training regiment for airborne troops at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia. • Airborne Training Mission: Today, the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment serves as the parent regiment for the U.S. Army Airborne School, responsible for training new generations of paratroopers.