SHIELD: On a Silver Background outlined in
Infantry Blue is a black-winged panther salient, inverted
proper, leaping through a yellow bolt of lightning. Four
deployed parachutes form a background.
CREST: A Silver Canopy is an essential element in
a parachutist's equipment in making a vertical descent into
enemy territory.
MOTTO: H-Minus
In World War II, the 505th was named the "Panthers". The
black panther symbolizes stealth, speed and courage - all
characteristics of a well-trained and highly motivated
Airborne soldier. The wings are added to represent entry
into combat via air. The four parachutes symbolize the four
parachute drops into combat during World War II. The bolt of
lightning depicts a powerful, fearless and disruptive force.
The six bronze stars enumerate the six major campaigns
participated in during World War II in the European theatre.
The bronze arrowhead is for the invasion into foreign
territory. The motto, "H-Minus", is military terminology, as
"D-Day" is the date, "H-Hour" is the time of attack.
"H-Minus" indicates the period of time the Airborne soldier
enters combat prior to the attack time of conventional
forces. "H-Minus" is in silver letters on a blue background.
The Infantry Blue border outlining the shield measures 1/8
inch around.
505 PIR Decorations WWII
Presidential Unit Citation ( Army ) , Streamer
embroidered STE. MERE EGLISE
Presidential Unit Citation ( Army ) , Streamer
embroidered NIJMEGEN
French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II, Streamer
embroidered STE. MERE EGLISE
French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II, Streamer
embroidered COTENTIN
French Croix de Guerre, World War II, Fourragere
Military Order of William (Degree of the Knight of the
Fourth Class), Streamer embroidered NIJMEGEN 1944
Netherlands Grange Lanyard
Belgian Fourragere 1940
- Cited in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for
action In the Ardennes
- Cited in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for
action in Belgium
