193rd Glider Infantry Regiment Patch

91st Civil Affairs Battalion (U.S. Navy) 4.0" x 4.0" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
The 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment was activated during World War II as part of the United States Army’s airborne forces expansion. Formed in 1943, this regiment was one of several glider infantry units designed to be deployed by gliders behind enemy lines, providing light infantry support where parachute troops would often be too dispersed or where heavier equipment was required. The 193rd was initially assigned to the 17th Airborne Division, a formation that was being built up to execute large-scale airborne operations in Europe. The regiment's formation was a response to the growing need for versatile, rapid-deployment infantry capable of supporting airborne assaults.

Notable Commanders
Colonel George M. Browning Jr. is among the notable commanders who led the 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment. His leadership was instrumental in training the unit for complex airborne operations and preparing the men for the demanding conditions of glider assaults. The regiment’s commanders emphasized rigorous physical and tactical training, knowing that their men would face dangerous landings and intense combat soon after arrival.

Major Campaigns/Operations
The 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment saw combat primarily during the later stages of World War II, including the pivotal Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity. During the Battle of the Bulge, the regiment was rapidly deployed to help stem the German offensive in the Ardennes Forest in late 1944. Their efforts helped blunt the enemy’s advance and secured vital ground for Allied forces.

Operation Varsity, conducted in March 1945, was the largest single-day airborne assault in history and marked the regiment’s most significant combat action. As part of the 17th Airborne Division, the 193rd was flown across the Rhine River into Germany via gliders. The regiment landed under heavy enemy fire, tasked with securing key terrain and preventing German reinforcements from disrupting the Allied crossing. Despite facing heavy casualties during the landing and subsequent fighting, the 193rd played a crucial role in the success of the operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of glider infantry in combined airborne assaults.

Specialized Role/Equipment
Glider infantry regiments like the 193rd were specialized in silent, mass insertion behind enemy lines using engineless gliders towed by powered aircraft. This method allowed for the delivery of troops, light vehicles, artillery, and supplies in a single landing zone, a capability parachute infantry could not match. The 193rd was trained to quickly organize after often chaotic landings, secure the landing area, and prepare for combat. Their equipment included standard infantry weapons plus heavier support weapons like light artillery pieces and jeeps that could be delivered by glider.

Acts of Heroism
The regiment’s service in Operation Varsity saw numerous acts of individual and collective heroism. Under intense enemy fire during landing, many glider troops quickly regrouped and charged enemy positions to secure their objectives. The ability of the 193rd’s soldiers to maintain cohesion and fight effectively despite casualties and difficult terrain was a testament to their training and resolve. Stories of soldiers braving enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades or carry ammunition across open ground highlight the courage that defined the regiment’s operations.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
Though the era of glider infantry was short-lived due to the high risks of glider landings and the rise of helicopter assault tactics, the 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment left a lasting legacy as a symbol of airborne innovation and bravery. Their actions during the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity contributed materially to the Allied victory in Europe. The regiment embodied the tough, adaptable spirit of airborne troops, and the lessons learned from their operations influenced the future development of airborne and air assault forces in the U.S. Army. Veterans of the 193rd are remembered for their willingness to undertake some of the most dangerous missions of World War II with determination and valor.