551st PIB

. 551st PIB .

Parachute Infantry BATTALION

The 551^st Parachute Infantry Battalion was activated on October 30, 1942 in Fort Benning with other elements activated on November 23, 1942 in Fort Kobbe in the Canal zone, Panama. It replaced the 501st battalion which had been absorbed in the 503rd PIR. It was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Wood C. Joerg. The unit trained in small groups individual for be specialized. Thus, the battalion had the opportunity to work in any environment. This training included learning to fly aboard a small light plane, piloting small boats, and other mechanical devices, even the locomotive. Moreover, the men received training on communication, demolition with sabotage operation in any area. In conclusion, a training to perform the special missions could be accomplished by paratroopers. This sort of training is, one might say, a precursor of training provided to Navy Seal’s, Rangers, Special Forces and Air Commandos.

<= Lt. Col. Wood C. Joerg

Ever since France fell and the Germans occupation, there was a concern that the French Island of Martinique. Indeed, there was a risk that it can assist the U-boats. Plans were drawn up for the 551^st PIB in June 1943, to make a surprise attack on the island and seize it. However, the French “governor” allied with the government of Charles de Gaulle and the mission was cancelled.

In August, 1943 the 551st PIB was deployed to Camp Mackall, North Carolina where it remained until, March, 1944.

The battalion participated in tests that brought much to the history of struggle of the U.S. Airborne. One test was a drop from gliders to evaluate the effectiveness of such a mass jump. A C-47 was towing two gliders loaded with paratroopers. But the tests were judged ineffective by the Airborne Command at Camp Mackall.

The paratroopers are preparing for their glider’s jump.

Then, the battalion sailed for Italy and engaged in intensive precombat maneuvers at an airborne training center in Sicily. During the Operation Dragoon, the 551st PIB was attached to the 1st Airborne Task Force.

On 15 August 1944, the 551^st made its first combat jump near the town of Draguignan. During the night the battalion infiltrated 5km through the German lines to secure the city. The success was complete when the men reached the CP of the German General Bieringer they captured without much difficulty. This event served to trigger the population began to leave their flags to the colors of the Allied forces. With the fear that the Germans would take the population, General Friederick, Commander of the 1st ABTF ordered the 551st PIB to liberate the city's.

On 17 August with the help of local FFI, the 551st PIB releases the city of Draguignan. Then, on August 18th, the Battalion was sent to rest at the edge of Puget. It was joined by teams of Pathfinders of its units.

On 20 August the 551st PIB resumed the assault following the seashore. The battalion will be stopped by a bunker in La Napoule, or Hill 105, containing a 105mm cannon. 24 hours after an assault, the way is clear. The battalion has twenty man lost. On 24 August the battalion is heading to Cannes. The men are installing defensive positions near Mougin. On the 25th Cannes is released. On 29 August, after a 4 days, 10:00, a patrol under the command of Lt. Dick Durkee enter to Nice. The city will be completely released officially on August 30.

<= Lt. Dick Durkee

After the success of the operation, the 551st served as a troop of mountain in the Alps Maritime along the Franco-Italian border.
The 551st participated with the 550th and 509th in combat against the 5th Division Austrian Hocchgebirgesjager protecting the right flank of the 7th U.S. Army. The battalion was relieved by the 100th Infantry Division November 17, 1944.

Then, the 551st was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps. He was sent to Laon in northern France by train and then moved to Werbomont. The Battalion had scarcely time to replenish the Battle of the Bulge begins.
On 21 December 1944, the 551st PIB is sent to the front and assigned to the 30th Infantry Division strengthening the positions in and around Francorchamps, Ster and Stavelot in Belgium. On Christmas Day, the battalion was attached to the 82nd Airborne near Rahier, Belgium in support of the 508th PIR.
On 27 December, on the orders of General Gavin, the battalion executed reconnaissance missions to capture prisoners and to identify the German units that opposed the division.
After heavy fighting, including against two German counter attacks, the 551st withdrew on these starting positions, mission accomplished.

On 1 January of intense German artillery fire slowly decimated the ranks of the battalion while the latter was advancing through the Ardennes forest in order to consolidate positions in the West River Salm. On January 4, 1945, A Company charged with bayonets fixed under the command of Lt. Dick Durkee, German machine gun positions that blocked the battalion.
January 7, 1945, one of its artillery fire killed Lt. Col. Joerg while his battalion took the town of Rochelinval Belgium.

On 9 January because of excessive losses in combat, the owner of the 551st PIB had fallen to one company, to the A Company, after the attack Rochelinval, losses reduced to the size of a platoon. Therefore, the 551^st PIB moved to Juslenville, Belgium or the unit was disbanded.
In March 1945, the XVIII Airborne Corps reorganized its forces, the 96 remaining men of the 551^st PIB went to strengthen the 82nd Airborne.
Most men were appointed non-commissioned officer in the regiments of the 82nd Airborne, from Platoon Sergeant to 1st Sergeant. Although in their hearts, men have remained attached to their original unit, the men of the 551st PIB began immediately to faithfully support their new units.
The official patch of the 551^st PIB was the "Great Outstanding Young Americans", however, men immediately redefined "Get Off Your Ass" that they applied in their new units. Men have become "GOYA" forever!

History