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1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Encyclopedia
The 87th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the United States Army. The regiment's 1st battalion is a light infantry
unit assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division located at Fort Drum, New York.
On 12 May 1942, the regiment was reorganized as the 87th Mountain Infantry at Fort Lewis Washington. The 87th joined the 10th Mountain at Camp Hale, Colorado and trained there during 1942-43 on winter military operations and mountaineering.
On 29 July 1943, the regiment sailed to the Aleutian Islands as part of the Amphibious Technical Force Nine. Also included in Technical Force Nine were the First Special Service and the 13th Canadian Infantry. The Regiment conducted an amphibious assault along the Kiska coastline and quickly climbed the rock cliffs to obtain its initial objectives. During November and December 1943 the entire regiment moved to Camp Carson, Colorado and was then assigned to the 10th Division at Camp Hale to prepare for deployment to the European theater.
On 3 February 1945, the regiment deployed to Italy with the newly redesigned 10th Mountain Division and entered combat on 28 January 1945 as part of the 5th US Army. In February 1945, after three days of bitter fighting, the regiment helped capture Mount Belvedere and other key mountain peaks. On April 15, 1945 they spearheaded the Northern Apennines offensive and cut the main route to the Brenner Pass. The regiment overcame every obstacle, including the Po River Valley, the old walled city of Verona and the pre-war frontier defenses of the Italian-Austrian border. German resistance in Italy ended on 2 May 1945. After the end of hostilities, the regiment performed occupation duty until its return to the US in August 1945. The unit was deactivated in November 1944 at Camp Hale, Colorado.
and reacted to security and civil military tasking.
in support of Operation Restore Hope. Alpha 1-87 was attached to 2-87 Infantry and participated in numerous missions, including several air assault
operations (such as an air field seizure in Belet Weyne, Somalia), cordon and search operations, search and destroy missions and quick reaction force missions. Members of A CO 1-87 were first awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge
for actions in the Mogadishu suburb of Afgoye in January 1993. Although the battalion never deployed to Somalia as a unit, it's companies deployed as attachments to other units and participated in numerous missions, including the Battle of Mogadishu
.
, which included 1-87 Infantry, conducted the Army
's first Air Assault
operation from the deck of a naval vessel, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
, in support of Operation Uphold Democracy
. This was the Army's first air operation from a naval vessel since the Doolittle Raids of World War II
.
Other combat and peace keeping deployments of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 87th Infantry Regiment include Iraq (1991, present), Somalia (1992, 1993), Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan (particularly Operation Anaconda
, where 1-87 was the first unit on the ground during the initial invasion of Afghanistan). A detachment from C company 1/87 was attached to 2/14th Infantry and the QRF during the Oct. 3-4 Battle of Mogadishu. 1/87 never deployed to Somalia as a unit, but all companies were attached to other units while deployed to Somalia, including 2/87 and 2/14 infantry, 10th Mountain Division, Light Infantry.
From 2005 to 2006 the 1st Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III-IV.
The unit deployed in 2007-2008 to the northern Kirkuk area of Iraq, near the small city of Hawijah. The unit was part of the "Surge" and remained in Kirkuk for 15 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom VII-VIII.
The 87th Infantry Regiment deployed to Northern Afghanistan in early 2010. The unit's mission was to support Operation Enduring Freedom by partnering with ISAF forces to help establish Afghan government influence in the region. By the end of March 2011, the last of 1-87 had returned to Fort Drum. The New York Times followed the 87th throughout the deployment in order to produce an online feature titled "A Year at War".
, Iowa from personnel of the 35th Infantry. Relieved from the 19th Division and demoblized 27 January 1919 at Camp Dodge.
Reorganized and Redesignated 87th Mountain Infantry and assigned to the 10th Mountain Division 6 November 1944. Inactivated 21 June 1945 at Camp Carson, Colorado.
Redesignated 87th Infantry and assigned to 10th Infantry Division 18 June 1948, allotted to the regular Army 25 June 1948. Activated 1 July 1948 at Fort Riley
, Kansas. Relieved from the 10th Infantry Division 1 July 1957 and reorganized as the 87th Infantry, a Parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System.
Vietnam
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, on a mountain issuant from base Argent, an ice axe, and ski pole in saltirewise, points to base Proper, a horseshoe, points to base Gules. Attached below the shield is a silver scroll inscribed "VIRES MONTESQUE VINCIMUS" in red letters.
The snow capped mountains is where the organization first received its specialized training and the normal home of mountains troops. The crossed ski pole and ice axe are symbolic of the tools used by mountain troops and the horseshoe indicates the pack element of the organization. The 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment was the organization of its kind indicated by the single red horseshoe.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment on 21 Oct 1942. It was redesignated for the 87th Infantry Regiment on 13 December 1948.
Azure, on a mountain issuant from base Argent, an ice axe, and ski pole in saltirewise, points to base Proper, a horseshoe, points to base Gules.
On a wreath Argent and Azure rising from a castle tower of three battlements Gules masoned Or charged with a fountain, a demi-catamountain proper supporting a lance of the fourth with a split pennon parted fesswise of Vert, of the first and of the third.
Motto VIRES MONTESQUE VINCIMUS (We Conquer Power and Mountains).
The shield bears a snow capped mountain to represent both the region where the organization first received it's specialized training and the normal home of mountain troops. The crossed ski pole and ice axe are symbolic of the tools used by mountain troops, while the horseshoe indicates the pack element of the organization. The fact that the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment was the first organization of its kind is indicated by the single red horseshoe. The red castle tower is reminiscent of the battle of Castel d'Aiano
in Northern Italy, a bloody struggle against prepared positions, rough terrain, heavily mined areas, and enemy artillery fire; its three battlements stand for campaigns in the Aleutians, Northern Apennines, and Po Valley. The fountain (wavy white and blue-striped disc) represents the first crossing of the Po River which brought the 87th to the foothills of the Alps. The catamountain or wildcat personifies the fighting spirit, cunning, and aggressiveness of the Mountain Infantry, and the lance and pennant allude to the arms of the Province of Bologna where the unit emerged after fighting their way out of the Apennine Mountains.
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment on 21 Oct 1942. It was redesignated on for the 87th Infantry Regiment on 13 Dec 1948. On 21 May 1956 the symbolism was amended to correct the translation of the motto. On 7 Dec 1964 the coat of arms was amended to change the wording in the blazonry of the shield and to add the crest.
Light infantry
Traditionally light infantry were soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. Light infantry was distinct from medium, heavy or line infantry. Heavy infantry were dedicated primarily to fighting in tight...
unit assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division located at Fort Drum, New York.
World War II
The 87th Mountain Infantry Battalion was activated on November 15, 1941 at Fort Lewis, Washington, with Lt Col Onslow S. Rolfe as the commanding officer. This unit was the first American regiment of mountain troops. It was expanded into a regiment in 1943.On 12 May 1942, the regiment was reorganized as the 87th Mountain Infantry at Fort Lewis Washington. The 87th joined the 10th Mountain at Camp Hale, Colorado and trained there during 1942-43 on winter military operations and mountaineering.
On 29 July 1943, the regiment sailed to the Aleutian Islands as part of the Amphibious Technical Force Nine. Also included in Technical Force Nine were the First Special Service and the 13th Canadian Infantry. The Regiment conducted an amphibious assault along the Kiska coastline and quickly climbed the rock cliffs to obtain its initial objectives. During November and December 1943 the entire regiment moved to Camp Carson, Colorado and was then assigned to the 10th Division at Camp Hale to prepare for deployment to the European theater.
On 3 February 1945, the regiment deployed to Italy with the newly redesigned 10th Mountain Division and entered combat on 28 January 1945 as part of the 5th US Army. In February 1945, after three days of bitter fighting, the regiment helped capture Mount Belvedere and other key mountain peaks. On April 15, 1945 they spearheaded the Northern Apennines offensive and cut the main route to the Brenner Pass. The regiment overcame every obstacle, including the Po River Valley, the old walled city of Verona and the pre-war frontier defenses of the Italian-Austrian border. German resistance in Italy ended on 2 May 1945. After the end of hostilities, the regiment performed occupation duty until its return to the US in August 1945. The unit was deactivated in November 1944 at Camp Hale, Colorado.
Operation Just Cause
On 20 December 1989, the executive order was given to put Operation Just Cause into effect. Task Force "Wildcat" (5th Battalion, 87th Infantry) attacked and seized critical objectives in Panama City to include the Balboa DENI (Direccion Especial Nacional de Investigaciones')', the PDF's investigative branch, the DNTT (Direccion Nacional de Transporte Terrestre, which served as the Headquarters of the National Police), the Ancon DENI, and the PDF Engineer complex on Albrook AFB. Each of these objectives lay astride the key lines of communication into the center of Panama city. In the days days following the initial assault, TF 5-87 conducted stability operations and was involved in the security of the Santa Felipe, Santa Anna, El Marana, and Chorillo sections of the city. During the remainder of the operation, TF Wildcat secured key sites in Panama CityPanama City
Panama is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Panama. It has a population of 880,691, with a total metro population of 1,272,672, and it is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of the same name. The city is the political and administrative center of the...
and reacted to security and civil military tasking.
Operation Restore Hope
In December 1992, 2-87th Infantry, with A Co 1-87 Infantry deployed to SomaliaSomalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
in support of Operation Restore Hope. Alpha 1-87 was attached to 2-87 Infantry and participated in numerous missions, including several air assault
Air assault
Air assault is the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical take-off and landing aircraft—such as the helicopter—to seize and hold key terrain which has not been fully secured, and to directly engage enemy forces...
operations (such as an air field seizure in Belet Weyne, Somalia), cordon and search operations, search and destroy missions and quick reaction force missions. Members of A CO 1-87 were first awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge
Combat Infantryman Badge
The Combat Infantryman Badge is the U.S. Army combat service recognition decoration awarded to soldiers—enlisted men and officers holding colonel rank or below, who personally fought in active ground combat while an assigned member of either an infantry or a Special Forces unit, of brigade size...
for actions in the Mogadishu suburb of Afgoye in January 1993. Although the battalion never deployed to Somalia as a unit, it's companies deployed as attachments to other units and participated in numerous missions, including the Battle of Mogadishu
Battle of Mogadishu
The Battle of Mogadishu or for Somalis: the Day of the Rangers was part of Operation Gothic Serpent and was fought on October 3 and 4, 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, between forces of the United States supported by UNOSOM II and Somali militia fighters loyal to the self-proclaimed president-to-be...
.
Operation Uphold Democracy
In September 1994, the 1st Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division10th Mountain Division
The 10th Mountain Division is a light infantry division of the United States Army based at Fort Drum, New York. It is a subordinate unit of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the only division-sized element of the U.S. Army to specialize in fighting under harsh terrain and weather conditions...
, which included 1-87 Infantry, conducted the Army
Army
An army An army An army (from Latin arma "arms, weapons" via Old French armée, "armed" (feminine), in the broadest sense, is the land-based military of a nation or state. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps...
's first Air Assault
Air assault
Air assault is the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical take-off and landing aircraft—such as the helicopter—to seize and hold key terrain which has not been fully secured, and to directly engage enemy forces...
operation from the deck of a naval vessel, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is an aircraft carrier currently in service with the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1977, the ship is the second of the ten Nimitz-class supercarriers currently in service, and is the first ship named after the thirty-fourth President of the United States, Dwight D....
, in support of Operation Uphold Democracy
Operation Uphold Democracy
Operation Uphold Democracy was an intervention designed to remove the military regime installed by the 1991 Haitian coup d'état that overthrew the elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide...
. This was the Army's first air operation from a naval vessel since the Doolittle Raids of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Modern
In the mid-1990s the 87th Infantry Regiment has deployed Soldiers to participate in several Multi-National Training Events in places like Pakistan, Panama, Kyrgystan, and Uzbekistan. The 87th Infantry Regiment has also been active in keeping peace abroad by conducting the MFO mission in the Sinai. In 1999, B Company completed a deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina, in support of Operation Joint Forge. C Company completed a similar deployment from October 1998 to March 1999.Other combat and peace keeping deployments of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 87th Infantry Regiment include Iraq (1991, present), Somalia (1992, 1993), Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan (particularly Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda took place in early March 2002 in which the United States military and CIA Paramilitary Officers, working with allied Afghan military forces, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization and non NATO forces attempted to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in the Shahi-Kot...
, where 1-87 was the first unit on the ground during the initial invasion of Afghanistan). A detachment from C company 1/87 was attached to 2/14th Infantry and the QRF during the Oct. 3-4 Battle of Mogadishu. 1/87 never deployed to Somalia as a unit, but all companies were attached to other units while deployed to Somalia, including 2/87 and 2/14 infantry, 10th Mountain Division, Light Infantry.
From 2005 to 2006 the 1st Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III-IV.
The unit deployed in 2007-2008 to the northern Kirkuk area of Iraq, near the small city of Hawijah. The unit was part of the "Surge" and remained in Kirkuk for 15 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom VII-VIII.
The 87th Infantry Regiment deployed to Northern Afghanistan in early 2010. The unit's mission was to support Operation Enduring Freedom by partnering with ISAF forces to help establish Afghan government influence in the region. By the end of March 2011, the last of 1-87 had returned to Fort Drum. The New York Times followed the 87th throughout the deployment in order to produce an online feature titled "A Year at War".
Lineage
Constuted 31 July 1918 in the Regular Army as the 87th Infantry and assigned to the 18th Infantry Division. Organized September 1918 at Camp DodgeCamp Dodge
Camp Dodge is a military installation in the city of Johnston, Iowa. Centrally located near the capitol of Iowa, it currently serves as the headquarters of the Iowa National Guard. Original construction of the post began in 1907, to provide a place for the National Guard units to train...
, Iowa from personnel of the 35th Infantry. Relieved from the 19th Division and demoblized 27 January 1919 at Camp Dodge.
- Constituted 15 November 1941 in the Army of the United States as the 87th Infantry Mountain Regiment; concurrently 1st Battalion activated at Fort LewisFort LewisJoint Base Lewis-McChord is a United States military facility located south-southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Garrison, Joint Base Lewis-McChord....
, Washington. Redesignated 12 May 1942 as the 87th Mountain Infantry. Regiment (Less 1st Battalion) Regiment activated 25 May 1942 at Fort Lewis, Washington. assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, 22 February 1944.
Reorganized and Redesignated 87th Mountain Infantry and assigned to the 10th Mountain Division 6 November 1944. Inactivated 21 June 1945 at Camp Carson, Colorado.
Redesignated 87th Infantry and assigned to 10th Infantry Division 18 June 1948, allotted to the regular Army 25 June 1948. Activated 1 July 1948 at Fort Riley
Fort Riley
Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in Northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 100,656 acres in Geary and Riley counties and includes two census-designated places: Fort Riley North and Fort...
, Kansas. Relieved from the 10th Infantry Division 1 July 1957 and reorganized as the 87th Infantry, a Parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System.
Campaign Streamers
World War II- Aleutian Islands
- North Apennines
- Po Valley
Vietnam
- Counteroffensive, Phase II
- Counteroffensive, Phase III
- Tet Counteroffensive,
- Counteroffensive, Phase IV
- Counteroffensive, Phase V
- Counteroffensive, Phase VI
- Tet69/Counteroffensive
- Summer-Fall 1969
- Winter-Spring 1970
- Sanctuary Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase VII
- Consolidation I
- Consolidation II
- Cease Fire
Decorations
- Meritorious Unit CommendationMeritorious Unit CommendationThe Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
, Streamer embroidered SAIGON AREA 1966-1967 (Company C. 87th Infantry cited; DA GO 17,1968) - Meritorious Unit CommendationMeritorious Unit CommendationThe Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967 (Company D. 87th Infantry cited; DA GO 54,1968) - Meritorious Unit CommendationMeritorious Unit CommendationThe Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967-1968 (Company C. 87th Infantry cited; DA GO 48,1969) - Meritorious Unit CommendationMeritorious Unit CommendationThe Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968 (Company D. 87th Infantry cited; DA GO 39,1970)
Distinctive Unit Insignia
- Description
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, on a mountain issuant from base Argent, an ice axe, and ski pole in saltirewise, points to base Proper, a horseshoe, points to base Gules. Attached below the shield is a silver scroll inscribed "VIRES MONTESQUE VINCIMUS" in red letters.
- Symbolism
The snow capped mountains is where the organization first received its specialized training and the normal home of mountains troops. The crossed ski pole and ice axe are symbolic of the tools used by mountain troops and the horseshoe indicates the pack element of the organization. The 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment was the organization of its kind indicated by the single red horseshoe.
- Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment on 21 Oct 1942. It was redesignated for the 87th Infantry Regiment on 13 December 1948.
Blazon
- Shield
Azure, on a mountain issuant from base Argent, an ice axe, and ski pole in saltirewise, points to base Proper, a horseshoe, points to base Gules.
- Crest
On a wreath Argent and Azure rising from a castle tower of three battlements Gules masoned Or charged with a fountain, a demi-catamountain proper supporting a lance of the fourth with a split pennon parted fesswise of Vert, of the first and of the third.
Motto VIRES MONTESQUE VINCIMUS (We Conquer Power and Mountains).
- Symbolism
- Shield
The shield bears a snow capped mountain to represent both the region where the organization first received it's specialized training and the normal home of mountain troops. The crossed ski pole and ice axe are symbolic of the tools used by mountain troops, while the horseshoe indicates the pack element of the organization. The fact that the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment was the first organization of its kind is indicated by the single red horseshoe. The red castle tower is reminiscent of the battle of Castel d'Aiano
Castel d'Aiano
Castel d'Aiano is a comune in the Province of Bologna in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, located about southwest of Bologna. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,973 and an area of ....
in Northern Italy, a bloody struggle against prepared positions, rough terrain, heavily mined areas, and enemy artillery fire; its three battlements stand for campaigns in the Aleutians, Northern Apennines, and Po Valley. The fountain (wavy white and blue-striped disc) represents the first crossing of the Po River which brought the 87th to the foothills of the Alps. The catamountain or wildcat personifies the fighting spirit, cunning, and aggressiveness of the Mountain Infantry, and the lance and pennant allude to the arms of the Province of Bologna where the unit emerged after fighting their way out of the Apennine Mountains.
- Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment on 21 Oct 1942. It was redesignated on for the 87th Infantry Regiment on 13 Dec 1948. On 21 May 1956 the symbolism was amended to correct the translation of the motto. On 7 Dec 1964 the coat of arms was amended to change the wording in the blazonry of the shield and to add the crest.
Current units
- 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment
- 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry RegimentThe 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment is a United States Army infantry battalion. Originally formed during World War II, the battalion took part in the Aleutian and Italian campaigns before being deactivated after the war...
External links
- Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division Home Page
- Chronology of the 10th Mountain Division in World War II
- A Year at War: 87th Infantry - audio slideshow by The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...