67 years ago on 6 July 1942, the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment was born in the “Frying Pan Area” of Fort Benning, Georgia. There were several parachute regiments that began their history before the 505th; each started as a platoon, and then became a company, then finally a battalion. The 505th, however, had a regimental mission from the day it was born. For much of the summer practically the entire output of the Airborne School was sent to the Regiment until it was at war strength.
Since that day, The Panthers of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment have answered the call of our great nation. To this very day its battle honors and Streamers have been carried proudly through history.
The Regiment conducted four combat parachute assaults onto the foothills in Sicily, Italy, and Salerno on the western Italian coast, Normandy, France and Nijmegen, Holland. The Regiment fought both the bitter cold and the Germans in the Ardennes forest. Finally, it was the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiments Honor Guard occupying the city of Berlin, Germany at the end of WWII that gave the title to the 82nd Airborne Divisions, “Americas Guard of Honor”!
Since World War II, the Regiment has continued uphold the honor and strength of America. In April 1965, the 505th played a role in Operation Power Pack in the Dominican Republic and later assisted local authorities during the civil disturbances which occurred within the United States.
The regiment was sent to the Republic of Vietnam in 1968 during the Vietnam War. After the Vietnam War the 505th has participated in various military operations. Among them were Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operations Desert Shield and Storm during the First Gulf War.
The Regiment conducted a helicopter air assault into Kosovo in June 1999 to secure the objective for what later would become Camp Bondsteel. Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq have been the Regiment’s most recent engagements where it’s members serve on this very day of the Regiments Birthday!
The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment has sacrificed hundreds of her sons in the name of freedom. The names and memories are the lifeblood of this Regiment, and the giving of their all shall never be forgotten. The Regiment is for all of us. From the lowly private newly assigned, to the past commanders who have went on to receive general stars. We know that no one individual is bigger than this Regiment, for when we are all gone, our Regimental history and traditions will be carried on by the new Panthers.
On behalf of the thousands of members of the 505th Panther Association, we would like to extend our sincerest well wishes to the current and veteran members of the Regiment.
Happy Birthday Panthers! H-MINUS! Airborne All the Way!
Ed Herlihy,
President 505th Panther Association
Allen Larson
Vice President, 505th Panther Association