507th PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT

The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), historically known as "Raff's Ruffians," is a renowned World War II airborne unit with an enduring training mission in the modern U.S. Army. Activated in 1942, the 507th first saw intense combat on D-Day, June 6, 1944, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division in Normandy, fighting for the Merderet River crossings and at Graignes. The regiment earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its Normandy service. Later assigned to the 17th Airborne Division, it conducted its second combat jump during Operation Varsity across the Rhine into Germany in 1945. Today, 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment serves under the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade (ARTB) at Fort Benning, Georgia, conducting the Basic Airborne Course and Jumpmaster Course.

The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment was constituted on June 24, 1942, and activated on July 20, 1942, at Fort Benning, Georgia, to augment the U.S. Army's expanding airborne forces. The regiment joined the 82nd Airborne Division in England in preparation for the invasion of Europe.

World War II: Normandy, Graignes, and Operation Varsity

• Normandy: The regiment's first combat jump occurred in the predawn hours of June 6, 1944. The drop scattered its paratroopers widely, including into the flooded Merderet River marshes. Small groups fought isolated battles, while men from the 507th joined other American paratroopers and French civilians in the defense of Graignes. The regiment received a Presidential Unit Citation for its service on the Cotentin Peninsula.

• Command Change: Following the capture of the regimental commander after the Normandy drop, Colonel Edson Raff took command. Under his leadership, the regiment became known as "Raff's Ruffians."

• Transfer and Battle of the Bulge: The 507th subsequently joined the 17th Airborne Division. It did not participate in Operation Market Garden and later fought as ground infantry in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge.

• Operation Varsity: On March 24, 1945, the 507th made its second combat jump as part of the 17th Airborne Division's assault across the Rhine. Private George J. Peters earned the Medal of Honor for his actions against a German machine-gun position during the operation. The regiment continued fighting in Germany before its inactivation in September 1945.

Modern Mission: Airborne and Jumpmaster Training

The regiment's later history includes its assignment to the Army's training establishment. 1st Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment is based at Fort Benning, Georgia, under ARTB. Its current published mission is to train paratroopers and jumpmasters for the Department of Defense.

• Basic Airborne Course: Develops the skills and confidence required for military static-line parachuting.

• Jumpmaster Course: Trains qualified paratroopers in the responsibilities required to supervise airborne operations.

Pathfinder Training: Historical and Current Responsibilities

Pathfinder training was historically part of the Fort Benning schoolhouse associated with 1-507 and ARTB. That historical role should not be confused with the current course organization. The Fort Benning Pathfinder Course is listed under Bravo Company, Army National Guard Warrior Training Battalion. A separate Pathfinder Course is conducted by The Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell. These courses are distinct from 1-507's current Airborne and Jumpmaster mission.

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