About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (3/509th PIR) traces its lineage to the original 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first American airborne unit to see combat during World War II, jumping into North Africa in 1942. After distinguished service in Italy and Southern France, the unit was inactivated postwar, but its lineage was later assigned to the 509th Infantry Regiment. Reactivated in 2006 as the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), the unit became part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Since then, 3/509th has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying on its legacy of airborne excellence and combat readiness.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (3/509th PIR) traces its lineage to the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first American parachute unit to see combat in World War II.
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First Combat Jump for U.S. Troops: The 509th made the first U.S. combat parachute assault in North Africa during Operation Torch, jumping into Algeria on November 8, 1942.
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Operation Avalanche: The unit conducted a famous jump during the invasion of Italy at Salerno in September 1943, reinforcing embattled Allied forces.
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Nickname "Geronimo": The 509th is often associated with the nickname “Geronimo,” a reference to the battle cry shouted by early American paratroopers during jumps.
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Battle of the Bulge: Elements of the 509th fought in the Battle of the Bulge, including fierce combat at Sadzot, where they held off German advances.
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Post-War Inactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, the 509th was inactivated, but its lineage was reactivated and reorganized several times, eventually forming the 3rd Battalion, 509th PIR.
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Stationed in Alaska: 3/509th PIR is a part of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, and is stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, specializing in Arctic and airborne operations.
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Global War on Terror Deployments: The battalion has deployed multiple times to Afghanistan and Iraq, participating in combat operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Distinguished Unit Honors: The 509th has received numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations and the French Croix de Guerre for valor in combat.
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Legacy and Traditions: The battalion maintains strong traditions, such as the annual “Bayonet Week” and remembrance of their World War II heritage, fostering esprit de corps among current paratroopers.
