3:504th PIR

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Branch

U.S. Army

Members

About 3:504th PIR

The 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (3/504th PIR) is a distinguished airborne infantry unit of the U.S. Army, originally activated in 1942 during World War II as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. The battalion participated in key operations such as the Allied invasion of Sicily, the Salerno landings, and the D-Day Normandy landings, earning a reputation for its bravery and effectiveness in combat. During Operation Market Garden, the battalion played a crucial role in securing key objectives in the Netherlands. Post-World War II, 3/504th PIR has continued to serve with distinction in conflicts including Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Storm, and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Unit Members

Frank Martinez

U.S. Army

3:504th PIRView Profile

Wayne Avery

U.S. Army

3:504th PIRView Profile

Photos

Boot Camp

Company C 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Regt. • U.S. Army • 1989

1980

101st airborne division • U.S. Army

U.S. Army

New uniform for wedding

82nd Airborne • U.S. Army • 2018

About 3:504th PIR

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in WWII: The 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (3/504 PIR) was activated in 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. • Sicily Jump: 3/504 PIR made its first combat jump during Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. • Salerno Landings: The battalion played a key role in the Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche) in Italy, executing a night drop behind enemy lines in September 1943. • Anzio Beachhead: 3/504 PIR fought tenaciously during the defense of the Anzio beachhead, earning the nickname “Devils in Baggy Pants” from German forces. • Operation Market Garden: The battalion parachuted into the Netherlands in September 1944, seizing key bridges during the largest airborne operation of WWII. • Battle of the Bulge: 3/504 PIR rapidly redeployed to Belgium in December 1944, helping to blunt the German offensive during the Battle of the Bulge. • Decorations: The unit has been awarded multiple Presidential Unit Citations and foreign honors, including the French Croix de Guerre and the Netherlands Military Order of William. • Panama Invasion: 3/504 PIR participated in Operation Just Cause in 1989, conducting airborne assaults to restore democracy in Panama. • Global War on Terror: The battalion has deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Legacy and Motto: The 3/504 PIR continues to serve as a vital part of the 82nd Airborne Division and upholds its proud motto: “Strike and Hold.”