2:39 9thDiv, 502Inf 101 Airborne

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U.S. Army

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About 2:39 9thDiv, 502Inf 101 Airborne

Certainly! Here’s a brief military history incorporating the units you mentioned: The 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry (2/39), served as part of the 9th Infantry Division and saw significant combat during the Vietnam War, participating in operations in the Mekong Delta and the Iron Triangle. The 502nd Infantry Regiment, known as the "Five-O-Deuce," is a storied unit of the 101st Airborne Division with a distinguished record dating back to World War II, including notable actions in Normandy, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. During the Vietnam War, the 502nd Infantry conducted airmobile operations and played a key role in major offensives and defensive actions. Both units exemplify the adaptability and courage of U.S. Army forces in airborne and infantry operations across multiple conflicts.

Unit Members

Larry Troxel

U.S. Army

2:39 9thDiv, 502Inf 101 AirborneView 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 2:39 9thDiv, 502Inf 101 Airborne

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment (2/39), 9th Infantry Division: • World War II Service: The 39th Infantry Regiment, including its 2nd Battalion, landed on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion on June 10, 1944, and fought across France, Belgium, and into Germany. • Vietnam War: 2/39 was part of the 9th Infantry Division, engaging in major operations in the Mekong Delta, including Operation Speedy Express (1968-69), which was controversial due to civilian casualties. • French Fourragère: The regiment earned the French Fourragère for its heroic actions in World War I, an honor still worn on ceremonial occasions. • “Fighting Falcons” Nickname: The 39th Infantry Regiment is known as the “Fighting Falcons,” symbolizing their swift and aggressive tactics. • Presidential Unit Citations: The 2/39 has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in combat. • 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (502nd Inf, “Strike”): • Normandy Airborne Assault: The 502nd parachuted into Normandy on D-Day (June 6, 1944), seizing key bridges and towns to support the Allied invasion. • Bastogne Defense: During the Battle of the Bulge, the 502nd held its ground at Bastogne, playing a pivotal role in the defense of the surrounded town. • Vietnam Operations: The 101st Airborne, including the 502nd, participated in major Vietnam War campaigns such as Operation Hawthorne and Operation Nevada Eagle. • Motto “Strike”: The 502nd’s nickname “Strike” comes from their original designation as the 502nd Parachute Infantry Battalion, emphasizing aggressive action. • Air Assault Innovation: After Vietnam, the 502nd helped pioneer modern air assault tactics, transitioning from parachute to helicopter-borne operations.