Page "James M. Gavin" Paragraph 31

In February 1943, the US 82nd Airborne Division — consisting of the 325th and 326th Glider Infantry Regiments and the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment — was selected for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

This selection came as a surprise for the division ; most members thought that the US 101st Airborne Division would be selected, as that division was led by the " Father " of the Airborne idea, William C. Lee.

Not enough gliders were available to have both glider regiments take part in the landings, so the 326th Glider Infantry Regiment was relieved from assignment to the 82nd on February 4, 1943 and replaced by Gavin's 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment effective February 10, 1943.

The 326GIR was later assigned to the 13th Airborne Division but never saw combat.