187TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
The 187th Infantry Regiment, the legendary “Rakkasans,” is one of the Army’s most iconic airborne units. From World War II in the Pacific to two combat parachute assaults in Korea—Sukchon/Sunchon (1950) and Munsan-ni (1951)—and on through Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the Rakkasans have built a distinguished combat record. Today, the active Rakkasan battalions in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are the 1st Battalion “Leader Rakkasans” and 3rd Battalion “Iron Rakkasans.”
The 187th Infantry Regiment was constituted in 1942 and activated on February 25, 1943, as part of the 11th Airborne Division. It fought in the Pacific campaigns on Leyte and Luzon. After Japan’s surrender, the regiment became part of the occupation force. During this period in Japan, the unit became widely known as the “Rakkasans,” a name associated with the image of the falling parachute.
Korea – Legendary Combat Jumps
Reorganized as the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (ARCT), the Rakkasans deployed to Korea in 1950 and executed two famous combat parachute assaults:
- Sukchon and Sunchon (20 October 1950): The Rakkasans jumped north of Pyongyang to cut retreating enemy forces and secure critical terrain.
- Munsan-ni (23 March 1951): The unit made its second combat jump during Operation Tomahawk.
Vietnam War
The 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry represented the 187th Infantry in Vietnam. Assigned to the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade, the “Iron Rakkasans” deployed in December 1967 and fought through major operations including Carentan II, combat in the A Shau Valley, and the May 1969 battle for Dong Ap Bia Mountain (Hamburger Hill). The battalion’s Lineage and Honors record includes the Presidential Unit Citation embroidered DONG AP BIA MOUNTAIN.
Post-Vietnam and Modern Deployments
The Rakkasans transitioned into the air assault role as the 101st evolved from parachute to helicopter-borne infantry. Rakkasan units deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and later served repeatedly in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror.
Battalion Nicknames and Identities
- 1st Battalion – “Leader Rakkasans” — active with the 101st Airborne Division.
- 2nd Battalion – “Raider Rakkasans” — historical Rakkasan battalion identity; not currently active in the division.
- 3rd Battalion – “Iron Rakkasans” — active with the 101st Airborne Division.
Identity and Honors
- Motto: Ne Desit Virtus (“Let Valor Not Fail”).
- Campaigns: WWII (Leyte, Luzon), Korea, Vietnam through 3-187, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
- Decorations: Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and foreign honors including Republic of Korea decorations.
Enduring Legacy
From jungle campaigns in the Philippines, to combat jumps in Korea, to 3-187’s fighting in Vietnam and the regiment’s modern service in the Middle East, the 187th Infantry Regiment remains one of the most storied units in American military history.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 187th Infantry Regiment.