About this Unit
Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 5th Airborne, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, traces its origins to World War II when it was activated as part of the U.S. Army’s airborne forces. The battalion participated in major combat operations, including the Normandy landings and the liberation of France, earning a distinguished reputation for its bravery and effectiveness in airborne assaults. In the decades that followed, HQ 2nd Bn, 5th Airborne played key roles in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions, adapting to evolving military tactics and technologies. Today, the unit remains at the forefront of rapid deployment operations, upholding its legacy of excellence and readiness as part of the nation’s elite airborne forces.
Historical Facts
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Historical Roots: The 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry traces its origins to 1808, making it one of the oldest units in the U.S. Army. Its lineage includes campaigns from the War of 1812, Civil War, and beyond.
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Airborne Transformation: The battalion became an airborne unit after World War II, joining the elite ranks of paratroopers and being stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, home of the Airborne.
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Nickname - "Bobcats": The unit is famously known as the "Bobcats," a moniker adopted during its service in the Pacific Theater in World War II.
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Vietnam War Valor: The 2-5 Infantry played a major role in Vietnam, participating in campaigns such as Operation Junction City and earning numerous unit citations for valor.
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Decorations: The battalion has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations for its distinguished service.
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Famed Commanders: General William Westmoreland, later Commander of U.S. forces in Vietnam, once served in the 2-5 Infantry early in his career.
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Fort Bragg Legacy: Stationed at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), the unit participated in extensive airborne training and rapid deployment exercises, maintaining a high level of readiness.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: Elements of the battalion deployed to Afghanistan post-9/11, engaging in direct combat and stability operations.
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Regimental Honors: The battalion’s regimental crest displays a wolf’s head, symbolizing courage, tenacity, and the aggressive spirit of the unit.
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Commemoration: The sacrifices of the 2-5 Infantry are memorialized at Fort Bragg with monuments and in regimental reunions, preserving the unit’s legacy for new generations of soldiers.
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**Note:** The "2nd Battalion, 5th Airborne" is not a current official Army designation. However, the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (often referred to as 2-5 Infantry or "Bobcats") has a long and distinguished history, and has at times been assigned to airborne divisions and based at Fort Bragg. Some details above are based on the historical lineage of the 2-5 Infantry. If you need information about a specific modern airborne battalion at Fort Bragg, please clarify the unit's designation.
