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History of HHC 2:505 82ABN Fort Bragg

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (HHC 2/505), is a key unit within the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The battalion traces its origins to World War II, where the 505th PIR made combat jumps in Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, and the Netherlands, earning a distinguished reputation for valor and effectiveness. In the decades since, HHC 2/505 has provided critical command and control, supporting airborne operations in conflicts such as Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit continues to serve as a rapid-deployment force, maintaining its legacy of excellence within the storied 82nd Airborne Division.

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ABOUT HHC 2:505 82ABN Fort Bragg

  • Historic Lineage: HHC 2/505 PIR is the Headquarters and Headquarters Company for the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, originally activated in 1942 during World War II.
  • World War II Actions: The 505th made four combat jumps during WWII—in Sicily, Salerno, Normandy (D-Day), and Nijmegen (Operation Market Garden)—earning the nickname “The Devils in Baggy Pants.”
  • D-Day Heroes: On June 6, 1944, 2/505 PIR paratroopers were among the first Allied soldiers to land in Normandy, significantly disrupting German defenses behind Utah Beach.
  • Normandy Presidential Unit Citation: The 505th received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during the Normandy invasion.
  • Battle of the Bulge: The battalion fought valiantly during the Battle of the Bulge, resisting German advances in the Ardennes and helping to relieve Bastogne.
  • Dominican Republic Intervention: In 1965, elements of 2/505 participated in Operation Power Pack, intervening in the Dominican Republic to restore order during a civil war.
  • Grenada & Panama: The 505th, including HHC, took part in Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983) and Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) to restore democratic governments.
  • First into Iraq: During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the 82nd Airborne was among the first units to deploy into Iraq, with 2/505 providing command and control for battalion operations.
  • Paratrooper Tradition: HHC 2/505 continues the proud airborne tradition, maintaining rigorous parachute training and readiness for rapid global deployment.
  • Distinguished Alumni: Many former members of HHC 2/505 have gone on to high-profile military and civilian careers, contributing to the unit’s storied legacy.

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