About this Unit
**HHQ 504** (Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 504th) traces its origins to the distinguished 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, activated in 1942 as part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. The unit earned renown for its valor in key operations such as Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and Operation Market Garden. In the postwar era, HHQ 504 evolved to provide essential command and control functions, ensuring operational readiness for airborne and rapid deployment missions. Today, it continues to uphold its legacy, supporting global contingency operations and maintaining a high standard of excellence in airborne warfare.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), traces its heritage back to World War II, having been activated in 1942 as part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division.
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Airborne Firsts: The 504th was among the first airborne units to make a combat parachute jump during Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943.
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Nickname: The regiment and its HHQ company are known as the "Devils in Baggy Pants," a nickname given by German adversaries who feared their fierce fighting spirit.
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Battle Honors: HHQ 504 participated in major campaigns including Sicily, Italy (Salerno and Anzio), Normandy, the Netherlands (Operation Market Garden), and the Battle of the Bulge.
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Salerno Jump: Members of HHQ 504 made a rare "combat glider landing" at Salerno, Italy, in 1943, a unique and dangerous method of troop insertion.
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Decorations: The 504th PIR, including its HHQ, has received numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations and the French Croix de Guerre for its bravery in combat.
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Cold War Deployments: After WWII, HHQ 504 played roles in Cold War operations, including deployments during the Dominican Republic crisis (Operation Power Pack) and the Panama invasion (Operation Just Cause).
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Modern Deployments: In recent decades, HHQ 504 has seen action in the Global War on Terror, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Leadership: HHQ 504 has produced several notable military leaders who have gone on to hold high-ranking positions in the U.S. Army.
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Legacy: The HHQ 504 continues to uphold its legacy of rapid deployment, versatility, and combat effectiveness, embodying the airborne motto: "All The Way!"
