509th

For questions about the 509th PIA please contact: abn509thassoc@yahoo.com For questions about the 509th website or unit history please contact: webmaster@509thgeronimo.org 10 June 1942 - First American Parachute Battalion to deploy overseas arriving in Glasgow, Scotland and stationed at Chilton Foliat, England 08 November 1942 - First American para... troopers to conduct a combat parachute invasion, Oran, North Africa 08 November 1942 - The longest combat parachute operation of World War II from Lands End, England to Oran, North Africa a distance of 1500 miles 08 November 1942 - Lt. Dave Kunkle was the first American paratrooper killed in action on an Airborne Invasion. 08 November 1942 - First American paratrooper to receive the Distinguished Service Cross Capt. William P. Moir 00 December 1942 - First American unit to attack German forces, Faid Pass, Tunisia 12 December 1942 - First American in WWII to be awarded the French Legion of Honor Col. Edson Raff 01 May 1943 - First American paratrooper to have a training facility named in his honor Pvt. Tom Mackall 06 June 1943 - Awarded the red beret by Major General Sir Frederick A.M. Browning, Commander 1st British Airborne who made the 509th PIB "Honorary Red Devils" basis for maroon beret 14 September 1943 - Conducted the first American Pathfinder operation behind enemy lines at Avellino, Italy 22 January 1944 - First Army paratroopers to spearhead an amphibious invasion, Anzio, Italy 08 February 1944 - First American paratrooper to receive the Medal of Honor Cpl. Paul Huff First American paratrooper to earn a battlefield commission Lt. Jack Pogue Performed five combat jumps in WWII - Oran, Youks les Bains, El Djem, Avellino, Southern FranceRead More