The advent of World War II ushered in a need for highly mobile units capable of quick insertion within the theater of battle by the Allies. Originally constituted 14 March 1941 as the 504th Parachute Infantry Battalion (PIB) and activated on 5 October 1941, the 509th PIB qualified its first paratroopers at Fort Benning, Georgia. The unit moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and re-designated as 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry in February 1942. The 503rd and 504th Parachute Infantry Battalions were joined together to form the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment on 24 February 1942 at Fort Bragg, NC. The 504th PIB was reorganized and re-designated as the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Companies A, B, and C were re-designated as 503rd PIR, Companies D, E, and F, respectively. This unit trained with the British 1st Parachute Brigade in England, earned the honorary title "Red Devils", and were authorized to wear the maroon beret. The maroon beret remains an iconic symbol of airborne units. Paratroopers wear it today.