70 years ago, on October 1, 1948, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Battalion (2e BEP) of the Foreign Legion was established in North Africa. The unit would be shipped to Southeast Asia a few months later, to became the most awarded French battalion of the First Indochina War (1946-54). After having returned back to North Africa in late 1955, its men helped to constitute its famous successor, the 2e REP (Regiment).

To see history and images of the 2e REP’s predecessor fighting in French Indochina in 1949-55, follow this detailed article: History of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Battalion