Where were Maroon Berets first worn by the 82nd AB Division? I am trying to date a photo. It appears to be early 50s. Is that right?

According to Wikipedia, "Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) policy from 1973 through 1979 permitted local commanders to encourage morale-enhancing distinctions. Airborne forces chose to wear the maroon international parachute beret as a mark of distinction. This permission was rescinded in 1979 when the army introduced a policy of standardized headgear and designated wear of the black beret for Ranger and Airborne units. On 28 November 1980 permission was given for airborne organizations to resume wearing the maroon beret." Headgear in the early 1950s would have been the garrison cap with airborne patch. Can you post the photo?

I second that Matt, please post the photo, what is he wearing an IKE jacket? if you think it is from the 50s, then it should prove interesting.

Unless it's late/end WW2. Waiting to see the pic but don't forget, members of the 509th P.I.B. were permitted to wear the maroon beret in WW2. When the 509th was disbanded during the "Bulge", most 509ers were absorbed into the 82nd as replacements. Maybe one of these troopers was sporting his beret after transfer to the 82nd? As a side note, it was the 509th vets that were instrumental in lobbying the U.S. Army to eventually reinstate wear of the maroon beret for all airborne troops.

Airborne forces chose to wear the maroon international parachute beret as a mark of distinction.

 

International ! More like everyone wanted to copy the Parachute Regiment. Unlike most Airborne Forces in the World you still have to pass a tough selection test in the British Army. Many Armies wear the Maroon beret but few earn it.

 

And before anyone jumps on me I wasn't referring to the 82nd but some of our European and African friends who hand out Maroon Berets with an Army number.

 

Rich

Here's the picture, a colorized 8x10 portrait made in Fayetteville, NC. Got this and the plaque and beret from a picker who got all three at a yard sale. Could the maroon beret be something he got later. What is the age of the portrait in your opinion?

Here's the maroon beret and its label. Is the beret as old as the picture? I don't think so. No name on the picture or plaque.

Your photo does indeed date from the late 40s to around late 1952, the double discs on the upper and lower lapels tells us this. The Beret? I would say modern, the 1-800 telephone number on the tag is the give away, if the Beret was in fact owned by your early 50s Paratrooper, it may have been just thrown into the mix. That plaque is for the 5th Infantry Division, in the late 40s early to mid 50s it was a cadre strenght training division I suspect this guy might of had his basic training with the 5th Division and got this plaque awarded to him for excellence in training.

What Regt is his DI for?

What Regt is his DI for?

HQ - 82nd Airborne Div

Yeah, absolutely agree about the beret. Sometimes these old troopers Will wear the beret at reunions or parades with repro jump uniforms & such. That might be why he had it.

The picture is post-WWII and probably Korean War era.

 

The DUI for the HQ and Non-Coloring Bearing Units of the 82nd was approved in 1942 -- as a design, on paper -- but not made and worn until after the war.

 

That is an OD "Ike" jacket he is wearing, which went out of use in 1957 (tested as early as 1954).

 

Other than the 509th (NOT part of the 82nd), in 1945 the Div's MPs wore a maroon beret, but probably only briefly and probably not as late as when on Occupation duty in Berlin. There is a picture of one such MP in the Airborne Album:1943-1945 on p.81. On p.74 is one of a member of the 17th Abn Div HQ wearing one, on the ground at Wesel, during Op VARSITY.