Rakkasans: The Combat History of the 187th Airborne Infantry (Hardcover)

by E.M. Flanagan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews
An engrossing account of a notable US Army outfit whose history reflects the often convulsive changes that have occurred in American military doctrine, written by a retired lieutenant general who served with airborne outfits during WW II and in Korea. Drawing on a wealth of sources (including personal experience), Flanagan recounts how the 187th, formed in 1943 as a paraglider regiment, was blooded in the Philippines, performing heroically in the brutal battles for Leyte and Luzon. Chosen to be in the first wave of Allied troops to occupy Japan; the Rakkasans (``umbrella men,'' as they were known to their conquered foe) finally returned to the States at the start of 1949. Less than two years later, the 187th was back in Asia to fight as a regimental combat team in the Korean War; during their three-year stint, the 187th made two jumps under fire. In Vietnam, the 187th was represented by a single battalion (attached to the 101st Airborne) that made 115 helicopter attacks in the course of 21 separate campaigns. Among other accomplishments, the battalion helped beat entrenched NVA regulars in the savage struggle for Dong Ap Bia Mountain (a.k.a. Hamburger Hill). During the 18 years between its return from Indochina and the Gulf War, the 187th trained as a rapid-reaction force, did tours of duty in the Sinai (to monitor compliance with the first Israeli-Egyptian peace accord), and otherwise prepared for its next belligerency. As part of the brief but deadly Desert Storm campaign, the 187th staged the longest and largest air assault in military history, vertically enveloping over 150 miles of enemy territory along the Euphrates River from their base camp in Saudi Arabia. The absorbing annals of a single US regiment whose valor on killing grounds throughout the world says much about the nation for which it fought. (photos, not seen) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
The Rakkasans: The Combat History Of The 187th Airborne Infantry is the complete account of one of the most remarkable regiments in the history of the U. S. Army. The Rakkasans (literally "umbrella men" in Japanese from the shape of the parachute canopy), have fought in every major American military conflict from World War II to the Persian Gulf. It had its baptism of fire when it landed in the Philippines on Leyte island where the regiment engaged in fierce combat against seasoned Japanese soldiers -- and performed superbly. The 187th went on to fight in two other major campaigns in the Pacific and were chosen by General MacArthur as part of the first wave of troops sent to occupy Japan. During the Korean War, the 187th was the only airborne unit deployed, and operated as an independent regimental combat team, complete with its own direct support artillery. In Vietnam, the Rakkasans were represented in the 101st Airborne Division by only one battalion. But that single battalion made history by fighting in 21 campaigns and defeating the well-trained and well-supplied NVA troops at the ferocious battle for Dong Ap Bia Mountain (better known as Hamburger Hill). In Desert Storm, the Rakkasans made the longest and largest helicopter assault in military history when it air assaulted from Saudi Arabia more than 150 miles to hostile territory along the Euphrates River. The Rakkasans is important military history, well researched and articulated for both the student of military history and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in military history. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Presidio Press (February 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891416048
• ISBN-13: 978-0891416043
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #938,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed unit history., August 14, 1997

By A Customer

Four wars, four MOH's, 26 DSC's, 411 Silver Stars, 3,841 Purple Hearts, five U.S. Presidential Unit Citations, and twenty-three Battle Streamers.
The history of this fine fighting outfit is well told by General Flanagan, himself an Airborne soldier in World War II and Korea. with photos, bibliography, and index. Perhaps a future edition will include award winners, texts of unit citations, and a Roll of Honor, all of which are to be expected in a full-scale unit history.
(The numerical rating above is an unwelcome default setting within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must, August 13, 2001

By	scott a sadin (Belchertown, ma United States) - See all my reviews

A must for any Alumni of the Rakkasans past or present.

Bco 1/187th Inf 1988-1992

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, but in need of maps., July 28, 1998

By A Customer

This is an excellent book, but understanding the campaigns and battles of the 187th is often hindered by a total lack of area or local maps.