508th Parachute Infantry Regiment

During World War II, the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (508th PIR or Red Devils) was a regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division which in turn became part of XVIII Airborne Corps of the United States Army.

Related Topics:
World War II - Regiment - 82nd Airborne Division - XVIII Airborne Corps - United States Army

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The regiment was activated on 20 October 1942 at Camp Blanding, Florida. After extensive training and maneuvers the unit embarked on 19 December 1943 in New York and sailed on 28 December 1943 for Belfast, Ireland, arriving on 8 January 1944. After additional training at Cronmore, the unit was moved by ship to Glasgow, Scotland and by train on the 13 March 1944 to Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire, England. Wollaton Park was shared as a base camp with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Related Topics:
20 October - 1942 - Camp Blanding - Florida - 19 December - 1943 - New York - 28 December - Belfast - Ireland - 8 January - 1944 - Cronmore - Glasgow - Scotland - 13 March - Wollaton Park - Nottinghamshire - England - 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment

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After service in Operation Overlord jumping on 6 June 1944 the unit returned to its billet at Wollaton Park and prepared for its part in Operation Market Garden jumping in 17 September 1944. The regiment later played a part in the Battle of the Bulge.

Related Topics:
Operation Overlord - 6 June - 1944 - Operation Market Garden - 17 September - Battle of the Bulge

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The unit was disbanded on 24 November 1946.

Related Topics:
24 November - 1946

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