Item Company’s first day of the Tennessee Maneuvers was one of great achievement as well as
being ironically similar to what lay ahead in 14 months. On the first day the company marched 15 miles across
country to capture a bridge that they were given a week to capture. Shortly after capturing the bridge they
spent a week defending it surrounded and cut off from food and support.

The Tennessee Maneuvers not only served as a showcase for Item and all the 501st PIR it enabled the men
and officers to come together as Battalions and as a Regiment in preparation for the movement overseas.

http://www.501stpir.com/item_501st_parachute_infantry/Item_company_history.html