Timeline
1940
-
January 1940
The War Department -
April 1940
Experimental Parachute Test Platoon -
June 25 1940
Major William C. Lee receives order to oversee the experimental platoon's formation -
July 1st 1940
Volunteers selection for the Test Platoon -
July 9 1940
Training starts at Lawson Field -
August 16 1940
Test Platoon 1st jump -
August 22-29 1940
First group jumps -
September 16 1940
The 1st Parachute Battalion -
October 1st 1940
The 501st Parachute Infantry Battalion (PIB)
October 1st 1940
The 501st Parachute Infantry Battalion (PIB)
On October 1, 1940, the 1st Parachute Battalion was renamed the 501st Parachute Infantry Battalion. On October 7, it was placed under the command of Major William M. MILEY. A battalion is essentially made up of an HQ Bn (Headquarters Battalion), 3 companies and a medic unit, for a total of around 600 men.
