The 511th PIR was formed at Camp Toccoa, GA, in January 1943 and in March transferred to Camp Mackall, NC before heading to Fort Benning, GA, battalion by battalion for jump training. After the difficulties encountered by Allied airborne operations during Operation Husky in July 1943, from 6–10 December the 511th PIR took part in the successful Knollwood Maneuver that secured the future of American airborne units. After final examination at Camp Polk, LA, the regiment proceeded to Camp Stoneman, CA, and in May 1944 embarked for the Pacific on the troop transport SS "Sea Pike". It trained at Oro-Dobodura in New Guinea until November 1944, when it was sent to the Philippines to join the Battle of Leyte.