509th Parachute Infantry Battalion

EAA Airventure – 2011

jtstrauss — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:39:41 +0000

Another great year at Airventure in Osh Kosh, WI. with EAA Warbirds of America, a great organization dedicated to promote the preservation of ex-military aircraft.

Farewell Friend

jtstrauss — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 20:00:13 +0000

The 509th said goodbye to our friends and brother Doug Holaway after a courageous battle with cancer. Doug was known by many in the reenacting community as a fun, light-hearted, generous man, whose presence will be deeply missed for a long, long time. Doug was an avid WWII (509th PIB), Viet-Nam (5th Group Special Forces) Re-Enactor, and military collector. He was an honorary member of Viet-Now, a member of the World War Two Historical Reenactment Society, and a member of the EAA Warbirds of America. Doug was 52. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Debbie, and his entire family.

Godspeed Doug.

“On angels wings, I hit the ground.
My Father’s favor, I have found.
In thanks, St. Michael I do pray.
For God has helped me–ALL THE WAY.”

The Spirit of the Maroon Beret

jtstrauss — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:34:40 +0000

“What’s with the beret? Are you British?” These are two very common questions regarding the 509th. The fact is the 509th was the first American unit to wear a beret. After arriving in England the battalion trained heavily with the British 1st Airborne Division, at one point smashing the Red Devil’s obstacle course records. In 1943, so impressed by accomplishments of the 509th, division commander General Frederick Browing granted honorary Red Devil membership and authorized the right to wear the British-style maroon beret.

The maroon beret has become a universal symbol of high distinction and is still worn by paratroopers today. It stands for the gut, grit, and the amazing fortitude that goes with being the best of the best.

Pictured with the 509 reenactors is Will. We got to know him during World War II Days in Rockford, IL in 2010. This shy 7-year old has quite the story! He has been in and out of hospitals his whole life, facing 45 bouts with Pneumonia, two stokes, and seizures. Three days after this picture was taken he will undergo his 20th surgery. At the age of three he overheard his physical therapist say he would never walk while other doctors thought he might not live past four. Proving both counts wrong he is getting stronger everyday, both physically and mentally, but tough roads still lie ahead.

The night this photo was taken his mom tell us he slept with his beret on holding a copy of the photo. He also wants to wear the beret during surgery. Will embodies the spirit of the 509th and the maroon beret. Always move forward and never give up. We are proud to honor the past generation and inspire the next. All the way Will!

EAA – Airventure 2010

jtstrauss — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:41:09 +0000

The 509th was well represented this year at EAA Airveture 2010 in Oshkosh, WI. There were numerous opportunities to meet up with old friends in the Warbirds section as well as make new friends. Highlights include acting as Honor Guard for American Airlines Honor flight, riding a C-47 down the taxi-way, and of course front row seats for the Warbirds Airshow.

Living Heritage

jtstrauss — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:16:56 +0000

The 509th was invited to Heritage Woods of Batavia, IL, and assisted living community to participate in their annual picnic, this year’s theme theme being World War Two. The community is home to many veterans, including WWII so it was a pleasure to talk with many vets and hear their stories. When handed an M1 Garand, one vet who saw action in France, Belgium, and Germany became very reminiscent saying, “Hello baby. I’ve missed you.” Helping round out the event were several vehicles and displays from the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL and music by The Legacy Girls, a trio bringing the music of the Andrews Sisters to life.

2010 Memorial Day Parade

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:39:14 +0000

Members of the 509th spent Memorial Day marching in parade in Rockford, IL. It is always an honor to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation. Check out the news broadcast from Channel 23, you can catch a 509 member shaking hands with a vet in the audience (0:58) and our half track (1:05).

WWII Days: Rockford 2009

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:34:47 +0000

509th Honors, Awards, & Firsts

admin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:15:24 +0000

Some 3,000 men served with the 509th during the course of World War II. Along with the storied history of the battalion these men earned many honors, including:

8 Battle Stars with 5 arrowheads

Algeria-French Morocco (w/ arrowhead)
Tunisia (w/ arrowhead)
Naples-Foggia (w/ arrowhead)
Anzio (w/ arrowhead)
Rome-Arno
Southern France (w/ arrowhead)
Rhineland
Ardennes-Alsace

1 Congressional Medial of Honor – S/Sgt. Paul B. Huff, Anizo Beachhead
10 Distinguished Service Crosses
65 Silver Stars
5 Legions of Merit
3 Soldier’s Medals
38 Bronze Stars
1718 Purple Hearts
6 French Croix de Guerres with Silver Star

• Presidential Unit Citation with bronze oak leaf cluster (two clusters for Company C)
• Two Army and Corps Commendations
• Awarded regiments insignia of the 3rd (French) Zuave Regiment
• Honorary members of the 1st British Airborne Division with the right to wear red berets

The first U.S. Airborne unit to deploy oversees.
The first American Combat Parachute Jump (5 jumps total in WWII)
The first Paratroopers to spearhead an amphibious invasion – Anzio
The first paratrooper to receive Congressional Medal of Honor
The first Parachute unit to receive Presidential Unit Citation

The 509th is featured in Collinsville

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:33:34 +0000

In 2008 the 509th was approached by filmmaker Jerry LaBuy to play a role in his movie Collinsville. ” I wanted to make a film in which a person gets a chance to actually do something about a very important “what if?” situation in their life. One from their childhood. One they could revisit and see how different it is when seen through their adult eyes,” stated the director/producer. “The production was a great success and we had a fantastic cast and crew that made it all happen.”

Watch the film HERE.

All images are property of Caledonia NIght Sky Co. Used by permission

EAA/Airveture Airshow: Osh Kosh, WI 2009

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:31:30 +0000