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| 1st Battalion |
First U. S. Airborne unit to deploy overseas arriving in Land's End, England on 10 June 1942.
Executed the lowest altitude mass parachute jump in history exiting the aircraft a 143 feet in England during June 1942 rehearsals.
Initially awarded the "right" to wear Red Berets by Major General Sir Frederick A.M. Browning, Commander, 1st British Airborne, who made the 509th honorary "Red Devils."
Performed America's first combat parachute insertion on 8 November 1942 following the longest combat invasion in history of 1600 miles from England to North Africa.
Conducted five combat jumps during World War II: three into North Africa, one into Italy and one into Southern France.
Led amphibious invasion with Darby's Rangers at Anzio, Italy on 22 January 1944, and subsequently participated in a successful Allied campaign that lasted 70 days.
First Airborne unit awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, 29 February 1942. Also awarded another Presidential Unit Citation in 1945.
Paul B. Huff, a member of the 509th, was the first American Paratrooper awarded the Medal of Honor on
29 February 1944 at Anzio, Italy.
Participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
Five members selected to serve as Pathfinders for the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War. Their helicopter was shot down during a search and rescue mission. Two were KIA and one became a POW.
Since the Gulf War, JRTC and the 509th have helped train more units that eventually deployed for worldwide missions than any other training center.
