Categories timeline: US Airborne (1940-1945)
August 15 1942
Creation of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions
On 15 August 1942, the 82nd Infantry Division stationed at Camp Claiborne in Louisiana was transformed into an airborne unit. From its strength, two separate units were created: the 82nd Airborne Division of the ‘All Americans’ under Major General Matthew B. Ridgway. Ridgway (Campaigns: Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Holland, Ardennes, Germany) and the 101st Airborne Division of the ‘Screaming Eagles’ under Major General William C. Lee (Campaigns: Normandy, Holland, Ardennes – Alsace, Germany).
Back to the listJuly 20 1942
Creation of the 506th PIR
On July 20 1942, creation of the 506th PIR led by Ltc. Robert F. Sink and the 507th PIR led by Ltc. George V. Millett at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Back to the listJuly 6 1942
Creation of the 505th PIR
On July 6 1942, creation of the 505th PIR led by Ltc. James M. Gavin at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Back to the listJune 19 1942
Official institution of the Parachutist's Badge
On 19 June 1942, the official adoption of the Parachutist’s Badge, the metal badge designed by Captain William P. Yarborough, also known as Jump Wings, which was awarded to parachutists who had made their 5 qualifying jumps.
Back to the listMay 1st 1942
Creation of the 504th PIR
May 1st 1942: Creation of the 504th PIR led by Ltc. Reuben H. Tucker at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Back to the listApril 19 1942
The head of the Airborne Command by Colonel Elbridge G. Chapman
On 19th April 1942, Colonel William C. LEE was appointed Brigadier General. He was replaced at the head of Airborne Command by Colonel Elbridge G. Chapman, who moved to Fort Bragg in North Carolina and then to Camp Hoffman (renamed Mackall in February 1943) at the beginning of November 1942.
Back to the listMarch 23rd 1942
Birth of the Airborne Command
March 23rd 1942: The Provisional Parachute Group becomes the Airborne Command and settles in Fort Bragg under Colonel William C. Lee’s orders.
Back to the list2 Mars 1942
Creation of 502nd PIR and 503rd PIR
March 2nd 1942: Creation of Ltc. George V. Moseley’s 502nd PIR and Ltc. William M. Miley’s 503rd PIR at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Back to the listFebruary 24 1942
Reorganization of the 504th PIB
February 24 1942: The 504th PIB is reorganized and renamed 2/503rd PIR under the orders of Ltc. Edson D. Raff, before being sent to Scotland in June 1942.
Back to the listJanuary 30 1942
Creation of four Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR)
On 30 January 1942, following an increase in manpower, the War Department authorised the formation of 4 Parachute Infantry Regiments (PIR) from the existing battalions, followed by the formation of 4 additional regiments. A regiment consisted mainly of a Regimental Headquarters (RHQ), 3 battalions, a Service Co. and a Medical Co. for a total of around 2,200 men.
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