511th Parachute Infantry

A 511th Parachute Infantry para oval. Used and removed from uniform with age and service wear. Embroidered on wool with a cheese cloth backing. The 511th PIR was formed at Camp Toccoa, GA, in January 1943. After the difficulties encountered by Allied airborne operations during Operation Husky in July 1943, from 6–10 December the 511th PIR took part in the successful Knollwood Maneuver that secured the future of American airborne units. In May 1944 embarked for the Pacific on the troop transport SS Sea Pike. It trained at Oro-Dobodura in New Guinea until November 1944, when it was sent to the Philippines to join the Battle of Leyte.