Image:501-Parachute-Infantry-Regiment.png

Description	501st PIR Distinctive Unit Insignia A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/16 inches (2.70cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent an Ojibway (Chippewa) thunderbird Azure garnished Gules. Attached below the shield a blue scroll inscribed "GERONIMO" in silver letters.
Source	US Army Institute of Heraldry
Date	1941-03-29
Author	US Army Institute of Heraldry
Permission (Reusing this image)	This image shows a flag, a coat of arms, a seal or some other official insignia produced by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. It is in the public domain but its use is restricted by Title 18, United States Code, Section 704 and the Code of Federal Regulations (32 CFR, Part 507). Permission to use these images for commercial purposes must be obtained from The Institute of Heraldry prior to their use. - US Army Institute Of Heraldry

[edit] Symbolism:

• The colors blue and white indicate the Infantry nature of the organization. The thunderbird is an appropriate symbol for a parachute battalion. The motto has its origin in a cry uttered in the maiden jump of the test platoon and is now tradition with the 501st Parachute Battalion.

[edit] Background:

• The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 501st Parachute Battalion on 1941-03-1941. It was redesignated for the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment on 1942-07-08. On 1947-01-20 the insignia was redesignated for the 501st Infantry Battalion. It was redesignated for the 501st Infantry Regiment on 1958-09-18.

• 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (United States)