The 508th Infantry Regiment beret flash is more accurately referred to as an organizational flash because it is worn centered on the stiffener of the maroon beret authorized for Soldiers in organizations that are classified as Airborne, as opposed to the standard black beret and blue Army flash worn by personnel in non-organizational units. Other types of organizational flashes are for units classified as Special Forces (green beret), Ranger (tan), and Security Assistance Command/Brigade (brown).
Technically referred to background trimming, ovals are worn personnel serving in units classified by the Army as Airborne or Air Assault who have earned a Parachutist or Air Assault badge. The oval is placed beneath the badge and the combination of the two is worn by both male and female Soldiers on Service Uniform coats (both ASU and AGSU) and shirts and only by female Soldiers on the blue or green Army Maternity Tunic.
Neither flashes nor ovals are authorized for wear on the Class B AGSU. Complete wear guidance is found DA PAM 670-1, paragraphs 4-10(e) and 21-32.
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508th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
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The 508th Infantry Regiment has the distinction of being one of the first Airborne units ever in the U.S. Army, activated in October 1942 before the term “Airborne” was even used for unit classification: It was originally constituted as the 508th Parachute Infantry. Less than two years after forming, the Regiment took part in the parachute assault behind German lines that preceded the D-Day landings and was subsequently awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary courage and tenacity during the first few days of Operation Overlord. That award was complemented by a host of awards from Allied nations, including but not limited to a French World War II Fourragere, Military Order of William, Netherlands Orange Lanyard, and a Belgian Fourragere.
Since that time, the Regiment’s units saw action in Vietnam, fighting in seven campaigns and earning a Valorous Unit Award for its gallantry in helping beat back the Tet Offensive in 1968; in three Armed Forces Expeditions, executing a parachute assault in Panama during Operation Just Cause; and in at least four campaigns in the War on Terrorism (it may eventually be credited with more), garnering an astonishing three Valorous Unit Awards and two Meritorious Unit Commendations in between 2003 and 2010.
As of June 2021, the Regiment’s 1st and 2nd Battalions are assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and 2nd BCT, respectively.