HHC 2:87th Infantry

• Lineage and Formation: The 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment (2/87th IN), also known as the "Catamounts," traces its lineage back to World War II, having originally been constituted in 1942 as part of the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment. • Mountain Warfare Origins: The battalion is historically tied to mountain warfare, with origins in the famed 10th Mountain Division, which trained at Camp Hale, Colorado, to prepare for combat in rugged terrain. • World War II Service: The 2/87th fought in the Italian Campaign during World War II, playing a critical role in the battles for Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere—famous mountain assaults that broke German defensive lines. • HHC Role: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) provides command, control, and vital support functions for the battalion, including intelligence, logistics, and communications. • Reactivation and Modern Era: After periods of inactivation, the 2/87th was reactivated in 1986 at Fort Drum, New York, as part of the reconstituted 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). • Deployments to Afghanistan: HHC 2/87th and the Catamounts have deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, including during the initial invasion in 2001-2002 and subsequent tours in Afghanistan's challenging terrain. • Iraq Deployments: The battalion also deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency operations and supporting stability in the region. • Nickname and Symbolism: The "Catamount" nickname refers to a fierce mountain cat, symbolizing the battalion's agility, strength, and mountain warfare heritage. Their unit crest features a mountain backdrop and the catamount. • Decorations and Awards: The 2/87th Infantry has received several unit citations and awards, including Presidential Unit Citations for actions in Italy and Valorous Unit Awards for service in Afghanistan. • Community and Training: HHC 2/87th, stationed at Fort Drum, remains actively involved in community outreach, rigorous training, and remains ready to deploy worldwide as part of the U.S. Army's rapid response force.