Posted 11 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
It is hard to believe that this is the 10 year anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq.
This helmet was worn during the initial invasion of Iraq and throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 (MAR 03- FEB 04).
The helmet is a standard US Army Kevlar with desert cover. The side of the helmet has a torri patch-- the symbol for 3rd BDE, 101st ABN Division (AASLT). The brigade is known as the Rakkasans and have historically worn this insignia on the side of the helmet. The Rakkasans were the first brigade to wear a helmet unit insignia during OIF-- eventually the practice was standardized throughout the Division.
Inside the helmet are baggies containing "Capitulation Instructions to Iraqi Units" and Casualty Feeder Reports (DA Form 1156).
While President Bush proclaimed that "major combat operations in Iraq have ended" in MAY 03, the war continued and fighting became more intense.
President Obama brought combat operations to an end in 2011 with the full withdrawal of US troops.
Reproduction of these images in any form is prohibited.
scott
Contemporary history. Always so much to learn.
"One of the most well-known army units. Located at Ft. Campbell, KY, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assualt) Rakkasans. Rakkasan translates from the Japanese language into "man falling under umbrella". Our symbol is the Tori, which in Japanese culture symbolizes a gateway to honor. In WWII, the Rakkasans parachuted into the middle of a group of Tori's leaving the Japanese fighting force in fear for their lives. The Rakkasans are the only military unit whose nickname that is still in use was designated by an enemy. The Rakkasans are the only unit in the military whose guidon does not bear a finneal, it bears a Tori."
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rakkasans
Thanks for looking vetraio!
Some of that sources material is inaccurate:
- The Rakkasans didn't make any combat jumps in WW2-- as the 187th ARCT, it made two combat jumps in the Korean War.
- The nickname was given post WW2 during occupation duty with the 11th ABN Division.
The unit is well known for its Viet Nam service, participating in the assaults of Dong Ap Bia-- popularly known as Hamburger Hill.
Additionally it engaged the enemy during Operation Desert Storm and was the FIRST Conventional unit to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
scott
Thanks for looking p...!
scott
Many thanks for that update scottvez!
Thanks for looking tony!
scott
Thanks for the post and for your description , as well as for those given by other members.
How coincidental, as at a sale scheduled for this Saturday, there is a little plaque up for bid on which is written in Oriental font "Rakkasans", with US Airborne insignia below the word. Until your description, I had no idea what the meaning of this was. Now I know, and am thankful for the knowledge....if one learns something everyday, it makes for an even better day!
Glad to help out ted!
Is the plaque something old from the 50s or modern?
scott
Thanks for looking official.
scott
Thanks for looking epson and buss!
scott
Thanks david!
scott
Awesome!! I might be getting a PASGT helmet that my buddy took back from Iraq. He found it in a Humvee on base haha
Thanks for looking driewer.
scott
Thanks for looking petey!
scott
Thanks tlmbaran!
scott
Thanks for looking cop.
scott