509th Parachute Infantry Battalion Reenactment Group

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.

“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!

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.

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.

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.

In 2004, the 509th had the opportunity to march downtown in the Chicago Memorial Day Parade. It is always an honor to represent an aging generation as more and more WWII veterans become unable to march themselves.

An honored tradition of the 509th is to call out any veteran seen in the audience and offer a company salute as the unit marches by. This gesture is another way we say “Thank You” to anyone who has sacrificed for our freedoms.