3rd Brigade

• Origins and Formation: The 3rd Brigade, often referred to as "Third Brigade" in various armies (such as the US Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Teams), has roots tracing back to the 19th century, serving in conflicts like the Civil War and being restructured multiple times. • Nickname “Rakkasans”: The 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division is famously known as the "Rakkasans," a name derived from the Japanese word for "parachute man," reflecting their airborne heritage. • Major World War II Involvement: The 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day, June 6, 1944, and played a pivotal role in the liberation of France. • Vietnam War Service: The 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, was one of the first US units deployed to Vietnam and earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations for gallantry. • First Brigade to Enter Baghdad: During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, was the first major US unit to enter Baghdad, leading the famed "Thunder Run." • Humanitarian Missions: The 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, has frequently participated in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, such as in Haiti (Operation Uphold Democracy) and Somalia. • Women in Combat Roles: The 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, was among the first to integrate female soldiers into combat positions following policy changes in the 2010s. • Historic Insignia: Many 3rd Brigades feature distinctive unit insignia; the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, wears the famous black and yellow "Cavalry" patch with a diagonal stripe. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from different 3rd Brigades have been awarded the Medal of Honor, including acts of valor in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. • Modernization and Transformation: The 3rd Brigade Combat Teams were at the forefront of the US Army’s modular transformation in the 2000s, becoming more self-sufficient and adaptable for rapid deployment worldwide.