About this Unit
**HHC, 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Forward Command)** is a storied unit within the famed 82nd Airborne Division. Activated during World War II, the 505th PIR participated in major airborne operations, including the Sicily and Normandy invasions, earning a distinguished combat record. The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) of the 3rd Battalion provided vital command and control, supporting missions from World War II through the Global War on Terrorism. Over the decades, HHC 3-505 PIR has deployed to hotspots around the globe, maintaining its readiness as an elite airborne force and upholding the proud traditions of the "Panther" regiment.
Historical Facts
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1. Distinguished Lineage: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), is part of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, known for its rapid deployment and airborne operations.
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2. World War II Origins: The 505th PIR was activated in 1942 and saw its first combat in the invasion of Sicily, where it made one of the first regimental-sized combat jumps in U.S. Army history.
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3. Normandy Jump: The regiment, including HHC elements, participated in the famous D-Day parachute assault on June 6, 1944, leading the way for Allied forces in Normandy.
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4. Operation Market Garden: The 505th PIR played a crucial role in Operation Market Garden, parachuting into the Netherlands to secure key bridges and territory.
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5. Battle of the Bulge: During the winter of 1944-45, the 505th helped hold the line at the Battle of the Bulge, facing harsh conditions and fierce German attacks.
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6. Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, the 505th was on constant alert, ready to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice, exemplifying the 82nd Airborne’s “Ready to Go” ethos.
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7. Operation Just Cause: In December 1989, 3rd Battalion, 505th PIR participated in the invasion of Panama, helping to remove dictator Manuel Noriega from power.
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8. Gulf War Service: The battalion was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 as part of Operation Desert Shield and participated in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.
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9. Global War on Terror: Since 2001, HHC 3-505 PIR has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom, conducting airborne assaults and combat operations.
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10. “H-Minus” Motto: The 505th PIR’s motto, “H-Minus,” signifies the unit’s readiness to jump into action even before H-Hour, the scheduled time for an operation, highlighting their rapid deployment capability.
