The 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment has a long and proud history since becoming the first airborne unit designated in the U.S. military when it was activated in November 1942. Attached to the famous 101st Airborne Division, the 501st played a crucial role in the development and deployment of airborne units. In fact, the U.S. Army proclaims the 501st as “the prime ancestor of all American Parachute Units.” During World War II, the 501st was part of the famous night drop into Normandy and ran into fierce resistance battling their way behind enemy lines. The regiment lost 898 men killed, wounded, missing or captured before returning to their base in England in mid-July. Intensive training followed in preparation for the ill-fated airborne drop in the Netherlands codenamed Operation Market Garden. Then came the Battle of the Bulge where once again the 501st suffered a high casualty rate. The 501st remains an active unit to this day, having gone on to see combat in the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. This A-2 jacket features an illegible USAAF tag, the famous Geronimo insignia patch stitched to the left chest, and a Conmar zipper. Unfortunately, the name tag on the left chest has been removed. An olive drab long sleeve service shirt is also included. This shirt has a Coronet tag and five service hash marks on the left cuff (each bar represented six months of service overseas). Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Good. The lining has some tears. The waist band and cuffs show wear. The cuffs appear to be replacements. The patch retains most of the stitching and retains vivid colors. An original WWII A-2 flight jacket worn by a member of the famed 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment that shows honest wear and great character.