501st Infantry RegimentDistinctive 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.
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.
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.
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