Rakkasan History Courses

The history of the Rakkasans begins with their formation as part of the United States Army's 11th Airborne Division in 1943. The unit earned its nickname, which translates to "falling umbrella," after its first combat deployment to the island of Okinawa, Japan. During the Battle of Okinawa, their airborne assault operations were said to resemble an umbrella falling from the sky. Following their success in the Pacific Theater, the unit was subsequently deployed to Europe during WWII, where they were instrumental in helping secure several key victories in Holland, France, and Germany. After the war, the Rakkasans were deactivated and remained in inactivity until 1956, when they were reactivated as part of the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. The unit was then sent to South Korea as part of the Korean War effort and returned to the United States in 1954, where they were re-designated as the 187th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. From there, the unit once again distinguished itself in battle, this time in Vietnam. During their 12-year deployment to Southeast Asia, the Rakkasans fought in several significant engagements, including the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Hamburger Hill. They also earned numerous honors, including three Presidential Unit Citations and four Republic of Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry. The unit remained active until its inactivation in 1973. Following its reactivation in 1985, the Rakkasans were once again deployed overseas, this time for operations in Panama, Iraq, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Today, the unit remains active and is currently assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.