About this Unit
The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment (HHC 4/87th Inf) has served as a key command element within the 87th Infantry lineage. Activated during the mid-1980s as part of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, New York, the unit played a vital role in battalion-level operations and training exercises. Throughout its service, HHC 4/87th Infantry provided leadership, planning, and logistical support to its subordinate companies, including deployments for peacekeeping and combat missions. The battalion was inactivated in the mid-1990s during post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy endures as part of the proud history of the 87th Infantry Regiment.
Historical Facts
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Vietnam Era Origins: The 4th Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to the 87th Infantry, originally activated during World War II. While the battalion did not serve in Vietnam, its parent regiment’s roots are tied to the era.
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Mountain Heritage: The 87th Infantry is historically known as a mountain infantry regiment due to its service with the famed 10th Mountain Division during World War II in Italy.
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Reactivation at Fort Richardson: HHC 4/87th Infantry was reactivated in the 1980s at Fort Richardson, Alaska, as part of the 6th Infantry Division (Light), emphasizing cold-weather and Arctic operations.
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Cold Weather Warrior Training: Soldiers in HHC 4/87th Inf routinely participated in rigorous cold weather and mountain warfare training, becoming experts in Arctic survival, skiing, and maneuvering in extreme conditions.
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Joint Training with Foreign Forces: The battalion frequently conducted joint exercises with Canadian, Japanese, and other allied Arctic-capable military units, sharing cold weather tactics and building international partnerships.
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Operation Desert Storm Support: During the Gulf War, elements of the 4/87th Infantry deployed to Southwest Asia to provide security and support roles, illustrating the unit’s operational flexibility.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 87th Infantry’s insignia features a mountain range, commemorating its Alpine and Arctic heritage, and is proudly worn by HHC soldiers.
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Community Engagement in Alaska: HHC 4/87th Inf was actively involved in the Anchorage community, participating in rescue operations, disaster response, and community service during harsh Alaskan winters.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The battalion was deactivated in the 1990s, but its Arctic warfare expertise and legacy live on through the 87th Infantry Regiment’s continued service in other U.S. Army formations.
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Veteran Stories: Alumni of HHC 4/87th Inf share stories of surviving -40°F conditions, encounters with wildlife such as moose and bears, and building camaraderie and resilience in one of the Army’s most challenging environments.
