Measuring 28 1/4" long and 19 3/4" wide, silk construction with gold fringe and tri-color screen printing on both sides of the "War Chief" unit insignia (note: in what appears to be a production error, the first "O" in the insignia has been replaced with a "D", making it read "GERDNIMO" when closely observed). Established in 1942 and attached to the 101st Airborne Division, the 501st holds the distinction of being “the prime ancestor of all American Parachute Units” per the U.S. Army, winning honor at high cost during the Invasion of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and other intense, conflict-defining engagements. Still active today, the 501st was also heavily involved in the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terror in multiple theaters. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection