The 87th infantry was activated in December of 1943, and was shipped out on October 17, 1944. The 87th arrived in Scotland on October 22, 1944, and was soon moved to England. While in England, Hatcher recalls some training, but mostly being fed for the upcoming campaign. The unit stayed in England from October 23 to November 30, 1944. On November 25, 1944, the entire division was assigned to Patton’s 3rd Army. It was then shipped out to France, on December 1-3, 1944.