Timeline
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January 30 1942
Creation of four Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) -
February 24 1942
Reorganization of the 504th PIB -
2 Mars 1942
Creation of 502nd PIR and 503rd PIR -
April 19 1942
The head of the Airborne Command by Colonel Elbridge G. Chapman -
May 1st 1942
Creation of the 504th PIR -
June 19 1942
Official institution of the Parachutist's Badge -
July 6 1942
Creation of the 505th PIR -
July 20 1942
Creation of the 506th PIR -
August 15 1942
Creation of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions -
September 29 1942
101st Airborne Division settles in Fort Bragg -
October 3rd 1942
82nd Airborne Division settles in Fort Bragg -
October 20 1942
Creation of the 508th PIR -
October 30 1942
Creation of the 551st PIB -
November 2nd 1942
The 2/503rd PIR is renamed 2/509th PIR -
Beginning of November 1942
The Airborne Command moves to Camp Mackall -
November 8th 1942
First combat mission of the US paratroopers: Operation Torch -
November 15 1942
The 2/509th PIR jumps in Algeria -
December 26 1942
The 509th's raid in Tunisia
January 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.
