87th Training Division Golden Acorn US Army Patch

87th Training Division “Golden Acorn” U.S. Army Patch 2.0" x 2.0" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality.

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
The 87th Training Division traces its roots to the 87th Infantry Division, activated in 1917 during World War I and reactivated for World War II. Its shoulder sleeve insignia, a golden acorn on a green field, symbolizes growth and strength—the division’s nickname, “Golden Acorn,” comes from this insignia and reflects the unit’s origin in the southeastern United States, a region known for oak trees.

After its distinguished combat record in WWII, the 87th was reactivated within the U.S. Army Reserve as a training division. It was reorganized in 1952 to focus on preparing soldiers through realistic training exercises, combat simulations, and mobilization readiness—becoming a cornerstone of the Army’s Reserve training structure.

Notable Commanders
During World War II, the division was commanded by Major General Frank L. Culin Jr., a no-nonsense leader who took the 87th from training camps to the front lines in Europe. Under his command, the Golden Acorn Division earned praise for its aggressive actions in the Ardennes and Rhineland campaigns.

In its training role, the division has been led by Reserve general officers known for innovation in instructional doctrine, simulation integration, and large-scale mobilization oversight. These commanders ensured the 87th remained relevant in both peacetime and conflict.

Major Campaigns/Operations
As a combat unit during WWII, the 87th Infantry Division fought in:

• The Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge)

• Rhineland Campaign

• Central Europe

They landed in France in late 1944 and were thrust directly into battle during Hitler’s final major offensive—the Battle of the Bulge. The 87th helped repel the German advance, then pushed through the Siegfried Line and crossed the Rhine, fighting all the way into the heart of Germany.

As a training division, the 87th has supported:

• Cold War mobilization readiness

• Post-9/11 mobilizations for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom

• Combat Support Training Exercises (CSTX) and Warrior Exercises (WAREX)

• Joint force integration training and ROTC commissioning support

Specialized Role/Equipment
Now part of the 84th Training Command, the 87th Training Division’s mission is to conduct large-scale collective training for Army Reserve units. It focuses on battle staff readiness, combat service support validation, and command post exercise facilitation.

Its teams include observer-controller-trainers (OC/Ts), exercise planners, logistics support specialists, and digital simulation operators. The division uses state-of-the-art tools to simulate battlefield conditions—constructive and live simulations, digital terrain models, mission command systems, and role-playing enemy forces.

The acorn may symbolize growth, but the 87th builds readiness through pressure—putting units through the kind of stress that prepares them for real-world deployment.

Acts of Heroism
In WWII, soldiers of the 87th fought with distinction in frozen forests and through fortified towns. During the Battle of the Bulge, the division endured artillery bombardments, sub-zero temperatures, and desperate counterattacks—earning multiple unit commendations and individual valor awards.

One of its most famous engagements was at Bastogne, where 87th soldiers helped relieve the encircled 101st Airborne and drive back elite German divisions. Several Silver Stars and Bronze Stars were awarded for actions during close-quarters combat and daring reconnaissance missions.

Today’s trainers of the 87th might not face bullets, but many are veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan—leaders who earned their stripes in real combat and now pass that wisdom to the next generation.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The legacy of the 87th is twofold: battlefield grit and instructional excellence. From muddy foxholes in Germany to high-tech simulations in the States, the Golden Acorn has never stopped growing. Its alumni include combat veterans, generals, instructors, and thousands of soldiers shaped under its guidance.

To wear the patch of the 87th is to carry a symbol of enduring strength, quiet professionalism, and readiness. The acorn may seem small, but as every soldier knows—it’s built to become something mighty.