Andy...re: Devils in baggy pants

[82Rigger]

This expression originally referred to the 504th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) of the 82nd.
A German officer's diary, found on the Anzio beach head in the 504th's OA had the following entry:

"American parachutists...devils in baggy pants...are less than 100 meters from my outpost line.

I can't sleep at night; they pop up from nowhere and we never know when or how they will strike next.

Seems like the black-hearted devils are everywhere..."

I think the expression gradually came to include any paratroopers who wore the WW2 parachutists' jump pants with the large pockets.

Steve / 82Rigger

[grunt66]

82Rigger

" Those Devils in Baggy Pants " is a favorite book of mine. I am on my fifth copy since I rarely ever get back if I loan it.

[Tamaroa]

It seems there is historical basis for fear of devils as infantry men in the US. the 14th Brookyln which fought for three years in the Civil War AKA 84th NYV Infantry were known as "Those Red Legged Devils from Brooklyn."

BillD.