Mission

The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment's mission was to deploy worldwide within 18 hours of notification, execute a parachute assault, conduct combat operations, and win. Specifically, the Regiment is able to conduct a forcible entry to seize a defended airfield, build up combat power as quickly as possible and conduct follow-on military operations.

About the "Strike Hold" Brigade

The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was first was activated on 1 May 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia. Later that same year, the United States War Department announced plans to form an Airborne Division. The 82nd Infantry Division, under the command of Major General Omar Bradley, was selected as the first American Division to wear the Airborne tab and include the term "Airborne" in its official unit designation. Subsequently, the 504th Parachute Infantry became the first Parachute Infantry Regiment in the newly designated 82nd Airborne Division. Relative to other units in the Army, however, the 504th was quite young. Nevertheless, few units were more highly decorated or have a prouder heritage than "The Devils in Baggy Pants" of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was one of the three infantry regiments of the 82nd Airborne Division and had served as such for more than 50 years. The 504th PIR stood more ready than ever to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours, fully prepared to fight and win.