2:187th Airborne Infantry

• Origins in World War II: The 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment ("2/187th") traces its roots to the famed 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, activated in 1943 and serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. • Nickname "Rakkasans": The regiment's nickname, "Rakkasans," is derived from the Japanese word for "umbrella," referencing their airborne status. It was adopted during the post-WWII occupation of Japan. • First Combat Jump in Korea: 2/187th participated in two combat parachute assaults during the Korean War, including the famous drop at Sukchon-Sunchon in October 1950. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from the 187th have received the Medal of Honor, with notable examples from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. • Vietnam War Service: 2/187th fought in numerous major engagements in Vietnam, including Operation Apache Snow and the intense Battle of Hamburger Hill in 1969. • Persian Gulf War: The battalion deployed as part of the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting air assault operations deep into Iraq. • Peacekeeping Missions: 2/187th participated in peacekeeping operations in the Sinai Peninsula as part of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the 1980s. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq after 2003, engaging in urban combat, counterinsurgency, and stability operations. • Afghanistan Deployments: 2/187th served in Afghanistan on several deployments, conducting combat patrols and working with Afghan forces in areas such as Khost and Paktika provinces. • Distinguished Unit Honors: The battalion has earned numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards, for extraordinary heroism in combat.