3:505th PIR 82nd airborne

• Formation and World War II: The 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (3/505th PIR) was activated in 1942 and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, becoming one of the first American airborne units to see combat in World War II. • Sicily Jump: On July 9-10, 1943, 3/505th PIR participated in the first regimental-sized American combat jump during Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, facing heavy anti-aircraft fire and scattered landings. • Salerno Landings: The battalion made its second combat jump at Salerno, Italy, in September 1943, helping to hold the Allied beachhead and earning a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions. • D-Day Operations: 3/505th jumped into Normandy in the early hours of June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Neptune, playing a vital role in securing Ste-Mère-Église, the first town liberated in France. • Battle of the Bulge: The battalion was rushed to Belgium in December 1944 to help stop the German offensive in the Battle of the Bulge, enduring freezing temperatures and fierce fighting in the Ardennes. • “All Americans” Legacy: As part of the 82nd Airborne Division, 3/505th PIR upholds the “All American” legacy, symbolized by the ‘AA’ patch, signifying the division’s nationwide makeup when activated. • Grenada and Operation Urgent Fury: The 3/505th participated in the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada, conducting a combat jump onto the island to rescue American medical students and restore order. • Panama – Operation Just Cause: The battalion took part in the 1989 invasion of Panama, helping to depose Manuel Noriega and restore democracy, once again conducting an airborne assault. • Global War on Terror: 3/505th PIR has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom, earning numerous unit commendations for valor and service. • Nicknames and Traditions: Members of 3/505th PIR are known as “Panther Battalion,” and maintain a proud tradition of airborne excellence, commemorated by annual events such as the “All American Week” at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg).