Regimental History – 502nd Infantry Regiment Association

July 1, 1941

502nd Parachute Infantry Battalion formed

The 502nd Parachute Infantry Battalion is activated at Fort Benning under the command of Major George P. Howell.

March 2, 1942

502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment formed

The 502nd Parachute Infantry Battalion is reactivated as the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment. The three original companies become the core of the three battalions of the regiment. Maj. Howell is promoted to Colonel and leaves to command the Airborne School at Fort Benning. Lt. Col George Van Horn Moseley Jr. takes over as commander of the regiment.

August 1942

502nd PIR becomes part of the 101st Airborne Division

The 502nd PIR is incorporated into the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

September 4, 1943

502nd heads for England

The 502nd boards the SS Strathnaver for England, but is stuck in Newfoundland due to mechanical issues.

October 4, 1943

502nd continues to England

After a month in Newfoundland due to mechanical issues, the 502nd is picked up by the SS John Erickson for the remainder of their journey to England, arriving in Liverpool on October 18, 1943.

October 1943 – June 1944

Preparing for invasion

The 502nd spends October of 1943 to June of 1944 training in England from their bases in Chilton Foliat and Denford in Berkshire to prepare for the invasion of Europe.