1st Foreign Parachute Battalion

Creation and different nomination designations

1^er Bataillon Etranger de Parachutistes, 1^er BEP - I,II,III Formations -

The 1st Foreign Parachute Battalion, (1^er BEP, I formation) was created on July 1, 1948 at Khamisis, in Algeria. The 1^er BEP embarks in Indochina on November 12 and is engaged in combat operations in the Tonkin. On June 1, 1949, the Co. Para du 3^ème REI completed its count. On November 17, 1950; the 1^er BEP (1^er BEP, I Formation) jumps on That Khé and sacrifices itself in Coc Xa to protect the unfolding of the RC4 in a traditional Foreign Legion battlefield. Heading and leading tradition was 1er BEP battalion commander Chef de Corps du 1^er BEP, Commandant Pierre Segrétain.

The battalion dissolved on December 31, 1950; is reconstituted on March 1, 1951 (1^er BEP, II formation) and is seen participating excessively in combat operations at Cho Ben, on the black river and at Annam. On November 21, 1953; the reconstituted 1^er BEP is parachuted on Dien Bien Phu. In this gigantic battle, the reconstituted (1^er BEP, II formation) 1^er BEP counts 575 killed and missing for the second time in a traditional Foreign Legion battlefield. Amongst the fatal casualties feature Lieutenants Dumont, Boisbouvier and de Stabenrath, killed in between April 1 and May 13 as well as Sergent-Chef Grimault, killed on March 30. Reconstituted for the third time (1^er BEP, III formation) on May 19, 1954, the 1^er BEP leaves Indochina on February 8, 1955. The 1^er BEP totals 5 citations at the orders of the armed forces and the fourragère of the colors of the Médaille militaire. The 1st Foreign Parachute Battalion (1^er BEP, III Formation) becomes the 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment (1^er REP) in Algeria on September 1, 1955.

The insignia of the 1st Foreign Paratrooper Battalion was created in 1948 by Commandant Segrétain, battalion commander Chef de Bataillon, CBA of the 1^er BEP.

Insignias

The insignia of the Foreign Legion Paratroopers of France represents a closed <>, meaning a "right winged arm" armed with a sword pointing upwards. The Insignia makes reference to the Patron of Paratroopers. In fact, the Insignia represents <>, the Archangel which according to Liturgy is the <>. This Insignia is the symbol of righteous combat and fidelity to superior missions.

Notable Officers and Legionnaires