|
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
Ranger
Battalions Association of WWII
WWII
Memorials and Museums
National
D-day Museum and Memorials
http://www.ww2dday.com/dday60.html
World
War II Links
Links
to Cemetery Sites:
Sicily-Rome
Omaha-Flowers
of Remembrance
|
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.
|