Unit Insignia Details
The "Rakkasans" is the nickname for the U.S. Army's 187th Infantry Regiment, which earned its name from a Japanese phrase for "falling down umbrella men" during the occupation of Japan after World War II. Their heraldry often incorporates a Torii gate symbol, representing the word "Rakkasan," which is a traditional Japanese gate marking the entrance to a Shinto shrine. This symbol is a significant part of the unit's identity and is often seen on patches, coins, and other unit insignia.
Unit History
The 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment is a regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. As of 2012, the 1st and 3rd battalions are the only active elements of the regiment; they are assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. The 101st Airborne Division is a light infantry division in the United States Army based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 101st Airborne Division is the only Air Assault Division in the U.S. Army. The nickname for the 101st Airborne Division is "Screaming Eagles" and their motto is "Rendezvous With Destiny."
