World War II

At the beginning of its participation in World War II, the United States was unprepared for the largest conflict in the history of western civilization. Allied armies were on the brink of collapse and positive offensive military actions were necessary to restore the morale of the troops and civilian populations. Recognizing this, the U.S. Army created several Ranger battalions to serve in Europe and the Pacific Theaters of War.

The 1st, 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions were founded in Europe and North Africa, under the leadership of Major William O. Darby, and were modeled after the British Commandos. Although initially trained to raid German held coastal areas, Darby's Ranger Force was used to spearhead campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. In 1944, the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions ceased to exist as fighting units when they were surrounded and captured by German forces at Cisterna, Italy. This combat operation resulted in the end of Darby's Ranger Force.

In the United States, the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions were founded in preparation for an Allied invasion in Europe. These two battalions were commanded by Colonels James E. Rudder and Max Schneider respectively. Second Battalion's most famous action occurred in June 1944 when the unit scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoe as part of the Normandy Invasion, while the 5th Ranger Battalion led the assault off the beaches.

The 29th Ranger Battalion, which was founded in December 1942 and deactivated in October of 1943, conducted raids with British Commandos against German-held Norwegian areas.

In the Pacific Theater, the 6th Ranger Battalion was formed in January of 1944. Their most successful mission was a raid on a prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan in the Philippines. This action in January 1945 rescued over 500 prisoners of war.

It was in the China-Burma-India Theater where one of the most successful and colorful fighting forces in the world was created. The 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) was founded on October 3rd, 1943. This unit was code-named Galahad and was later dubbed by the press "Merrill's Marauders". This unit was modeled after and trained similarly to that of British Long Range Penetration Groups, which were created and commanded by Maj. Gen. Orde Wingate.

Galahad was composed of three battalions, each approximately 1000 volunteers in strength and each consisting of two equal teams. The 5307th was transferred from British to American command and was led by General Frank D. Merrill. The unit's mission was long range patrolling, supported only via air dropped supplies. Merrill's Marauders participated in five major, and thirty minor engagements, the most famous operation being the capture of the Myitkyina Airfield in 1944. By this time the 5307th had suffered eighty percent casualties, including several of its commanders. Several months later, in August 1944, after being designated the 475th Infantry Regiment and made part of the Mars Task Force, the unit captured the town of Myitkyina itself.