US AIRBORNE

Harry D. Hildebrand

The 187th Glider Infantry Regiment was established on November 12, 1942, at Camp Mackall, North Carolina. On February 25, 1943, it was selected to become an airborne regiment and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division. Originally, the regiment consisted of two battalions and underwent combined training in both glider and parachute operations. Intensive training began at Camp Mackall, where soldiers learned airborne combat techniques, including glider landings, night operations, and field maneuvers. Glider exercises were frequent, allowing soldiers to practice landing under various conditions, simulating real combat environments. In parallel, large-scale maneuvers were organized with other airborne units to simulate large-scale combat operations, preparing the regiment for the challenges it would face on the battlefield. After more than a year of intense training, the 187th GIR was deployed to the South Pacific in May 1944 to prepare for combat against Japanese forces. Final preparations for deployment continued, with specific training for upcoming missions in the Pacific campaigns to ensure soldiers were ready for combat in this challenging environment.

After a long journey aboard the SS Sea Pike, the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment landed at Dobodura, New Guinea, on May 22, 1944. This arrival marked the beginning of six months of intensive jungle training, aimed at preparing the troops for upcoming combat operations in the Pacific. Upon arrival, the regiment’s soldiers set up pyramid tents by company, built kitchens, and created rest areas to relax after their long working days. Jungle training began immediately in the hills and mountains of the Owen Stanley Range. The troops learned survival techniques in the tropical environment and combat tactics adapted to the region's conditions, especially against the Japanese forces occupying New Guinea. In addition to physical and tactical training, the soldiers participated in various activities such as USO shows, gambling games, and leisure sessions. These helped maintain morale while refining their skills with training jumps, field exercises, and regular shooting sessions. The soldiers also performed numerous glider training flights, practicing landings under various conditions to simulate the combat environments they would face. These flights were crucial to ensure their effectiveness in future airborne operations. Meanwhile, the regiment participated in large-scale maneuvers with other airborne units, simulating real combat operations and refining their ability to coordinate with other forces.

On November 6, 1944, after completing their training at Dobodura, the 187th GIR troops embarked on a 2,100-mile journey to Leyte, in the Philippines, where they would soon engage in intense combat operations. This period at Dobodura was crucial as it allowed the soldiers to physically and mentally prepare for the challenges they would face in the Pacific campaigns, forging their reputation and resilience for the battles to come.

After leaving Dobodura, New Guinea, on November 11, 1944, the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment arrived in Leyte, Philippines, on November 18, 1944, landing at Bito Beach. Upon arrival, the troops were immediately confronted with intense combat and significant logistical challenges. Under enemy fire, the regiment quickly secured the landing zone before preparing to advance inland. Initially, the 187th, under the command of Colonel Harry D. Hildebrand, was tasked with securing the facilities around the beach. However, a few days after their arrival, the Japanese launched an airborne assault on the San Pablo airstrip in Leyte. After a brief moment of surprise, the American forces counterattacked and sent the 187th to the front. The 1st Battalion notably captured the flag of the Japanese airborne forces, which is now displayed at the West Point Museum.

The 187th then advanced to attack the Japanese positions at Anonang. It was here that one of the most significant battles of the campaign took place, the capture of Purple Heart Hill, named in honor of the many casualties suffered. During two days of fierce fighting, the soldiers managed to secure this strategic position, despite extremely difficult terrain and weather conditions. The Purple Heart Medal was awarded for this victory, symbolizing the sacrifice and determination of the troops. After this victory, the regiment continued its advance through the jungle, facing fierce Japanese resistance and complex logistical challenges, including a lack of supplies and difficult terrain. These battles, fought in a relentless jungle under scorching heat, tested the troops, but they remained determined to accomplish their mission.

After landing at Nasugbu Bay on January 31, 1945, the troops of the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, part of the 11th Airborne Division, began their advance inland on Luzon. The regiment landed with the rest of the division at Nasugbu, located about 110 kilometers from Manila, to capture the strategic Tagaytay Ridge. Upon arrival, the troops were met with fierce enemy resistance and began engaging in intense combat, marked by decisive operations for the liberation of the Philippines.

From January to April 1945, the 187th fought from Fort McKinley and Manila, before moving toward Macolod and Malepunyo, where they encountered heavily defended Japanese positions. On February 3, the regiment participated in the capture of Tagaytay Ridge, a strategic position that opened the way to southern Manila. In February 1945, during the assault on Manila, the 187th captured Fort McKinley, a key position, and helped secure a decisive entry into the city. From March 8 to 11, the regiment fought fiercely for Hill 600, followed by the capture of Mount Macolod. These battles were particularly difficult, with the regiment facing stubborn Japanese resistance and tough terrain.

After the liberation of Manila, the regiment continued its operations across Luzon to eliminate the last pockets of Japanese resistance. In May 1945, after crossing the Macolod region, the 187th entered Lipa, where it rested. During this period, the regiment replenished its ranks, rested, and prepared for the next phase of the war, including the invasion of Japan. A 3rd battalion was formed, and the regiment was reorganized into a "para-glider" regiment.

In June 1945, the 187th participated in Task Force Aparri, the final airborne operation of the war, aimed at cutting off Japanese retreat lines in northern Luzon, thereby isolating the last enemy forces on the island. This period in Luzon was crucial for the 187th, as it allowed the soldiers to demonstrate their bravery and effectiveness in difficult combat conditions. Their success on the island contributed significantly to the liberation of the Philippines and the defeat of Japanese forces in the Pacific.

After the intense fighting in Luzon, the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR) was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, on August 11, 1945. Although the Battle of Okinawa officially ended on June 22, 1945, the presence of the 187th GIR on the island marked a period of stabilization and preparation for future operations. The regiment arrived in a post-war context, with the mission of securing and stabilizing the island after the fierce fighting of the previous year.

The troops set up in temporary camps and organized regular patrols to maintain order and prevent any residual enemy activity. The 187th was tasked with securing strategic areas and overseeing the surrender of the remaining Japanese forces. Meanwhile, the soldiers participated in preparation exercises for the occupation of Japan, carrying out reconnaissance missions to assess logistical and security needs.

On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender, marking the official end of World War II. This announcement changed the nature of the 187th GIR's mission, shifting it from combat preparation to post-war management. Starting on August 30, 1945, the regiment prepared for its role in the occupation of Japan, focusing on reconstruction and stabilization of areas under Allied control.

On August 30, 1945, the first elements of the 187th GIR arrived in Tokyo, marking the start of their occupation mission. They set up in temporary headquarters and began organizing patrols to maintain order and security in the Japanese capital. The regiment was tasked with securing critical infrastructure, overseeing the surrender of Japanese forces, and actively participating in the reconstruction of areas devastated by the war.

The troops of the 187th GIR also provided security during the trials of Japanese war criminals, known as the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, which took place from 1946 to 1948. During this time, the soldiers interacted with the local population, helping to distribute food and supplies while also participating in community reconstruction projects.

Outside of their duties, the soldiers of the 187th took part in leisure and relaxation activities to maintain troop morale during this extended period of occupation. Their presence in Tokyo was marked by constant efforts in stabilization, reconstruction, and reconciliation, with the regiment playing a crucial role in Japan's transition to peace and rebuilding after the war.