The Board of Directors of the 173d Airborne Brigade Memorial Foundation takes pleasure in announcing that the 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne) marker featuring the familiar blue and while Regimental Crest now proudly stands on the National Infantry Museum’s Walk of Honor adjacent to the 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial.
The 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment was formed at Fort Benning, GA in 1942 and saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Its nickname, “The Rock,” resulted from its 16 February 1945 parachute assault to recapture Fortress Corregidor (The Rock) for which the unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
Four battalions of the 503d Infantry Regiment served under the command of the 173d Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam conflict and two battalions of the Regiment are currently serving in the Global War on Terror as elements of the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team based at Vincenza, Italy.
The site for the 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne) marker was provided by the 173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation Board of Directors. Funding for the marker was provided by the Distinguished and Honorary Members of the 503d Infantry Regiment, Chapters I and III of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association, the 4th Battalion 503d Infantry 2016 Reunion Committee, and other warriors who served in the 503d Regimental battalions.
