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photo
courtesy of
The
Ranger Memorial Foundation
(click on
photo to purchase a stone)
outside
link
The
Ranger Family wishes to
offer
condolences to those
Ranger
families who had a Ranger
Killed In Action.
Your
Ranger is listed on the
WWII
Ranger Wall, appropriately
located
on Sacrifice Field,
Fort
Benning, Georgia.
If
we can help you locate Ranger
buddies,
or their families, please
contact
us below.
photo
courtesy S&D
WW
II Ranger Wall
Outside
links
http://www.abmc.gov/wardead/listings/wwii.php
National
D-day Museum and Memorials
Omaha-Flowers
of Remembrance
Search
Ranger Roster Database
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A
brief introduction and history
of
the exploits of the WW II Rangers
At
the time the U.S. became involved in WWII, most of Europe was
engulfed and occupied by Nazi German troops. The First Ranger
Battalion was formed at the onset of U.S. involvement in this
conflict as an elite unit modeled after the British Commandos.
They were highly and rigorously trained to attack in the dead
of night from the least likely route.
The
Rangers were trained in cliff climbing and speed marches
enabling them to infiltrate deep behind enemy lines on foot.
Their surprise night attacks often followed 30 mile treks deep
into enemy territory. They were also trained in amphibious
landings where they would infiltrate from the sea.
This
highly trained soldier was strictly volunteer. Each was chosen
not only on his merits of physical strength and endurance, but
also for his intelligence and ability to think on his feet.
The Ranger was expected to act independently and also survive
on nothing more than his wits, while accomplishing operations
miles behind enemy lines.
There
were six Ranger Battalions during WWII. Each Battalion was
comprised of approximately 500 men. Of the more than 15
million people who served in the armed forces in WWII, only
3000 were Rangers (estimated at 6000-7000 with
replacements). Every Ranger sees himself as a part of one
unit, the Band of Ranger Brothers.
These
men are legends and heroes. If you are the relative of one of
these extraordinary Rangers, you are one of the fortunate few.
This is a glowing part of your heritage. Be proud!
The
U.S. Army Ranger is alive and well in our contemporary
military. Today's Rangers are known as the 75th Ranger
Regiment and are the first line of defense for the U.S. These
Rangers follow in the footsteps of their mentors and heroes,
the WWII Rangers. Today's soldier carries the responsibility
to uphold the tradition and integrity of
their WWII counterparts. They do so with honor, pride, and
privilege.
A
brief history of each Battalion is included on this web site
to help you realize the significant role your Ranger's
Battalion played in WWII. The
S&D wishes to thank the Rangers who have summarized each
Battalion's history as only a Ranger can. We are honored to
have these histories in their own words and wish to thank each
of them for the time they put into documenting them.
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