Rakkasans : The Combat History of the 187th Airborne Infantry

The complete account of one of the most remarkable regiments in the history of the U.S. Army. The Rakkasans (meaning umbrella men,Ó as the Japanese nicknamed them), have fought in every major American military conflict from WW2 to the Persian Gulf. Beginning in 1943, the 187th had its baptism of fire when it landed in the Philippines on Leyte island. The 187th went on to fight in two other major campaigns in the Pacific, & were chosen by Gen. MacArthur as part of the first wave of troops sent to occupy Japan. The 187th was the only airborne unit sent into the Korean War. In Vietnam, the Rakkasans fought bravely & made history at Hamburger Hill. In Desert Storm, the Rakkasans made the longest & largest helicopter assault in military history. Photos.Flanagan, E. M., Jr. is the author of 'Rakkasans : The Combat History of the 187th Airborne Infantry', published 2004 under ISBN 9780756771263 and ISBN 0756771269.