The 509th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Geronimos,” holds the distinction of being the first American parachute infantry unit to see combat in World War II. Activated in 1942, the 509th made the Army’s first combat jump in North Africa and went on to fight in Italy, Southern France, and the Battle of the Bulge. Today, the 509th lives on through its battalions in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 509th Infantry Regiment.
The 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the forerunner of the 509th Infantry Regiment, was activated on 5 October 1941 as the 504th Parachute Infantry Battalion. In 1942, the unit was redesignated the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion and deployed to North Africa. On 8 November 1942, the 509th executed the first American combat parachute jump near Oran during Operation Torch, making history as the pioneers of U.S. airborne combat operations.
Following North Africa, the 509th fought in the Italian campaign, parachuting into Avellino in September 1943 and later seeing action at Anzio. In August 1944, the battalion joined the airborne assault in Southern France during Operation Dragoon. Later, in December 1944, the 509th was rushed to Belgium for the Battle of the Bulge, where it fought valiantly but suffered such heavy losses that the battalion was disbanded in early 1945. Its lineage and honors, however, were preserved.
Cold War and Beyond
After World War II, the lineage of the 509th was reactivated in various forms as the Army expanded and restructured its airborne units. The unit carried on its Geronimo identity—named after the cry shouted by early paratroopers before jumping—and continued to symbolize the daring of the airborne.
During the Cold War, elements of the 509th were stationed in Europe, serving as part of NATO forces to deter Soviet aggression. In 1983, paratroopers of the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne) participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada.
Modern Era
Today, the 509th Infantry Regiment continues its service with multiple active battalions:
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The 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne) serves as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana. It plays the role of a near-peer adversary to train deploying brigade combat teams.
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The 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment is part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division in Alaska, now aligned under the 11th Airborne Division following its 2022 reactivation.
These units ensure that the 509th’s proud lineage is both preserved and actively contributing to today’s Army readiness.
Legacy and Honors
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Campaigns: North Africa, Italy, Anzio, Southern France, Ardennes, Central Europe.
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First Combat Jump: 8 November 1942, Operation Torch.
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Nicknames: “Geronimos,” a reflection of the early paratrooper tradition.
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Decorations: Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Belgian Fourragère.
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Key Figures: Leaders such as Lt. Col. Edson Raff, the first commander of the 509th, who helped shape U.S. airborne doctrine.
From pioneering the very first U.S. combat jump to training today’s Soldiers as the OPFOR, the 509th Infantry Regiment stands as one of the most distinctive and enduring names in airborne history.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 509th Infantry Regiment.