It is a heavily decorated unit, whose members wear the fourragère of the Legion of Honour.

It distinguished itself during the First World War, earning 9 mentions in despatches and the fourragère of the Legion of Honour.

During the Second World War, it notably took part in the Battles of Narvik.

After it was disbanded after Case Anton, some of its elements trained the Maquis des Glières; in subsequent combat against SS units the Battalion gained the motto of Vivre libre ou mourir ("live free, or die").

Recently, the 27e BCA has been engaged in Afghanistan, notably taking part in the Battle of Alasay.