Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very attractive three-piece U.S. Army insignia grouping associated with the 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment, the celebrated "Red Devils" who served with the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. The grouping consists of two enameled Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) bearing the regimental motto "FURY FROM THE SKY," accompanied by a gilt-colored Infantry officer's collar insignia with the regimental number 508.

Both regimental crests display a deep blue enameled shield crossed diagonally by a silver-colored band bearing a red heraldic lion. Below each shield is a decorative scroll inscribed FURY FROM THE SKY in recessed red lettering. The two crests retain different finishes and fastening arrangements, along with particularly interesting manufacturer markings.

The first crest has a traditional vertical pinback assembly with a long hinged pin and locking catch. Its reverse carries a large, divided shield-shaped manufacturer's hallmark with raised lettering that includes ARMY, NAVY, EQUIPMENT, MEYER, and NEW YORK, identifying the well-known military insignia manufacturer N.S. Meyer of New York.

The second crest has a clutch-back attachment with an old soldered repair and reinforcing metal plate on the reverse. Beside the attachment is a small shield-shaped hallmark containing what appears to be 9M, a manufacturer identification code associated with N.S. Meyer. Additional raised lettering is partially obscured by the fastening hardware and repair.

Completing the grouping is an Infantry officer's collar insignia consisting of two crossed flintlock muskets in gilt-colored metal, surmounted by the raised number 508. Its reverse retains two attachment posts with their circular clutch fasteners present. The muskets and numerals are well defined, and the gold-colored finish remains attractive.

The grouping remains in very good overall condition, with age-related toning, scattered surface marks, and light wear to the metal finishes. Both crests retain strong blue and red enamel, with minor scratches and handling wear. The first has developed a warmer golden patina, while the second retains a brighter silver-colored appearance. The most significant condition feature is the old repair to the reverse of the second crest, where a reinforcing plate, soldering, and localized discoloration remain evident. The numbered Infantry collar insignia is particularly well preserved, retaining its bright finish and both clutch fasteners.

Historical Context

The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment was activated on October 20, 1942, at Camp Blanding, Florida, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Roy E. Lindquist. Following its formation, the regiment underwent intensive infantry and parachute training before deploying overseas in December 1943. After further preparation in the British Isles, the 508th joined the 82nd Airborne Division for the Allied invasion of Normandy.

On June 6, 1944, the regiment made its first combat parachute jump during Operation Overlord. Its assigned objectives included important roads, river crossings, and defensive positions in the western portion of the 82nd Airborne Division's operational area, particularly around the Merderet River. Poor visibility, enemy antiaircraft fire, and navigational difficulties scattered many paratroopers far from their intended drop zones. Small groups of 508th soldiers nevertheless assembled and fought their way toward their objectives, taking part in the difficult fighting around the Merderet crossings and the approaches inland from Utah Beach.

Following the Normandy campaign, the regiment returned to England to reorganize. On September 17, 1944, it participated in Operation Market Garden, parachuting into the Nijmegen area of the Netherlands. The 508th fought to secure and defend important positions and transportation routes during the operation, helping protect the approaches used by advancing Allied ground forces. The fighting around Nijmegen earned the regiment further distinction, and its service in the Netherlands was subsequently recognized with the Dutch Military Order of William, Fourth Class.

The regiment returned to combat during the German Ardennes offensive in December 1944. In severe winter conditions, the 508th took part in defensive operations and subsequent attacks as Allied forces worked to contain and reverse the German advance. Among its most distinguished soldiers was First Sergeant Leonard A. Funk Jr. of Company C, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions near Holzheim, Belgium, on January 29, 1945. During an encounter with German troops who had captured American personnel, Funk helped turn the situation against the enemy force, overcoming the immediate threat and securing numerous prisoners.

After Germany's surrender in May 1945, the regiment remained in Europe and performed occupation duties. It was selected for honor guard service associated with General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Supreme Headquarters in Frankfurt. The wartime regiment was eventually inactivated at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, in November 1946.

The 508th returned to active service on April 16, 1951, when it was reactivated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as the 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Its reorganization formed part of the Army's early Cold War airborne expansion. During the following months, the regiment developed into the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, incorporating supporting artillery, engineer, and other elements.

The regiment's new coat of arms was approved on September 4, 1951, with the corresponding Distinctive Unit Insignia formally approved on November 26 of that year. The design commemorated the regiment's WWII service through several carefully selected heraldic elements. Blue and silver represent the traditional colors of the U.S. Infantry, while the red lion, derived from the heraldic leopard appearing in the arms of Normandy, recalls the regiment's participation in the 1944 invasion. The diagonal silver band, known in heraldry as a bend, honors the regiment's Rhine crossing during the European campaign.

The motto "FURY FROM THE SKY" was introduced during the regiment's 1951 reactivation and is credited to Lieutenant Colonel Clyde M. Dillender Jr., then serving as regimental executive officer. It expressed the airborne character of the 508th and recalled the aggressive combat reputation established by its wartime paratroopers. The distinctive insignia continued in use following the regiment's redesignation as the 508th Infantry Regiment in 1962.

The accompanying numbered Infantry collar insignia belongs to a separate tradition of U.S. Army branch identification. The crossed flintlock muskets were adopted as the standard Infantry branch insignia in 1922, replacing earlier branch devices. The design represents the Model 1795 Springfield musket, an early American military shoulder arm. Officers could wear the crossed muskets with the number of their regiment displayed above the weapons, identifying both their Infantry branch and their particular regimental affiliation.

The three insignia preserve these two forms of identification associated with the 508th: its distinctive regimental heraldry, commemorating WWII service, and the traditional numbered Infantry branch device worn by officers.