The first airborne unit officially designated by the U.S. armed forces, the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment distinguished themselves repeatedly in the field during World War II, seeing heavy action during airborne drops for Operations Overlord and Market Garden, as well as in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The group includes three enamel pins and a 4 3/4 inch wide embroidered patch feature the insignia of the unit, a Native American warrior in full headdress under open silk, wielding a thunderbolt like a spear, with "GERONIMO" in a banner below. An additional patch, ribbon shaped with yellow text on light blue background, reads "THE ORIGINAL/501 PARACHUTE BATTALION/1940-41-42" (note: the 501st was activated in 1942), along with the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagle" shoulder patch and a meritorious service "wreath" patch. Additional included decorations with the lot are the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist's Badge with one star and a blue-on-red background trim patch, ribbons for the Presidential Unit Citation, Purple Heart, and Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart medal. Also present is a blank piece of stationary with 501st PIR letterhead and a small photograph of an American paratrooper, marked on the back as being a Charles Gasper; records show a Charles Gasper with Charlie Company of the 501st PIR, wounded in action in Holland during Operation Market Garden. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

The Good Conduct Ribbon shows heavy staining/oxidization; otherwise, the grouping is very good overall, with some minor stains and wear.