U.S. Army Rangers - Special Forces in World War 2

Organisational History

With a group as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his confidant, William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan (later Office of Strategic Services [OSS] director), and Army Chief of Staff, General George Catlett Marshall, as dedicated supporters of the British Commando concept, it could not take long before a similar unit would be available for The United States when it entered the war.

Army Chief of Staff, General George Catlett Marshall

In the spring of 1942, General Marshall meets the British Lord Louis Mountbatten, Chief of Combined Operations, in London. They discuss the creation of an American Staff to work with and study the British Department of Combined Operations. This department is tasked with coordination and organisation of the British raiding of Europe.

On April 30^th, 1942, a group of officers under command of Colonel Lucian King Truscott Jr. is ordered to England. Their specific order is: “To study the planning, organisation, preparation and conduct of Combined Operations, especially those of Commando type and to keep the CO. W.D. informed as to development in the training techniques and equipment pertaining to these and related operations. To initiate plans for the participation by American troops in these operations to the fullest possible and practicable extent with a view to affording actual battle experience to maximum personal and to plan and coordinate the training of the detachment designated for such participation. To provide information and recommendations relative to the techniques, training and equipment involved in those and related operations. To assist the Headquarters of Army Ground Forces in planning, organising, and conducting training in such operations in the United States. The following officers were assigned by W.D. order to Combined Ops on 18 May 1942: Brigadier General Lucian K. Truscott Jr, Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence B. Hilsinger, Major Theodor J. Conway and Lieutenant Colonel Haskell H. Cleaves.“

Colonel Lucian King Truscott Jr.

A soon as June 1^st, 1942, a serie of directives are given to Truscott and his group to form the Ranger unit around. A few days later, on June 13^th, 1942, the newly founded Headquarters European Theater of Operations U.S. Army (HQ ETOUSA) in London authorises the foundation of the 1^st Provisional Ranger Battalion. Captain William Orlando Darby is appointed to be the leader of the unit. Darby is promoted to Major in process.

Selection of members of the unit starts days later. It is based on the selection of No.1 Commando. Soldiers from all U.S. units in Great Britain are allowed to volunteer. Applicants must have an excellent physical condition, mental state, and military record. Besides that, they must be fluent in at least one foreign Language. They are asked to fill out a questionnaire that is judge by a board consisting of Major Darby, Major Herman W. Dammer, and Captain Steve Meade, after which each applicant is interviewed by them. Over 2,000 men volunteered, most of them from the 34^th Infantry Division, the 1^st Armoured. Division and V Corps. Halfway June all members are selected and equipped. On June 19^th, 1942, the 1st Ranger Battalion is activated at Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.

On June 28^th, 1942, the unit is sent to the Commando Training Depot, at Achnacarry Castle, Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire in Scotland for basic Commando training. Here the British instructors put them through the rigoureus commando course. The unit graduates on July 31^st and is moved to Argyle, Scotland for a month of amphibious training with the Royal Navy.

After the Raid on Dieppe, the battalion is moved to Dundee, Scotland for coastal raid training in September 1942. Subsequently it is moved to the outskirts of Glasgow, Ireland as an attachment of the 1^st Infantry Division. During this period, the battalion undergoes a reorganisation, in which D Company is temporarily reorganised as an 81 mm mortar company. At the same time, the unit starts training for the invasion of French North Africa. The unit leaves for Algeria in October and participates in Operation Torch.

American Rangers (left) and British Commandos share experiences after returning from the Dieppe Raid, August 19^th, 1942.

Meanwhile a second Ranger Battalion is being formed in Great Britain. On December 8^th, 1942, General Gerow, the Commander of the 29^th Infantry Division asks Major Randolph Millholland, who had just returned from the British General Headquarters Battle School to raise a Ranger Battalion from members of the 29^th Infantry Division. Millholland accepts the challenge and starts with choosing the officers for the two companies he wants to raise the 29^th Ranger Battalion (Provisional) with. The selection is similar as that of the 1^st Ranger Battalion. This proces is completed on December 21^st, 1942. With the selected men Millholland forms and trains a battalion along the British lines as he had learned. On the February 2^nd, 1943, the unit moves to the Commando Training Depot at Achnacarry, Scotland.

Major Randolph Milholland, commanding officer of the 29th Ranger Battalion (Provisional), with Major General Leonard Gerow, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, in June 1943. — Major Randolph Milholland, commanding officer of the 29t^h Ranger Battalion (Provisional), with Major General Leonard Gerow, commanding general of the 29^th Infantry Division, in June 1943.

After six weeks the unit is transferred to East Leigh, Hampshire County, England and attached to Lord Lovett’s No.4 Commando for additional training. During that same period Millholland and four enlisted men are attached to No. 12 Commando personally participated in three raids in Norway. On the April 10^th, 1943, the unit is moved to Tidworth, Wiltshire, England. Here two more companies are raised and trained. After they are fully trained the unit performs excellent in a combined exercise with the British, after which they transferred to Bude, North Devon, England on June 3^rd, 1943. Here they received Specialised training and participated in an eleven-day long ration rotation exercise, where they covered 240 kilometres. After watching a training movie about Assault Operations, the complete unit moves to Dorlin House, Argyle, Scotland to receive Amphibious training of the Royal Navy, starting from September 2^nd, 1943. After completing this training, members of the unit participate in operations with the British Commando’s, where they receive high recommendations for their performance. In September 1943, there is even talk of a full company participating in an operation. However, on October 16^th, 1943, the unit comes to an unsuspected end and the men are returned to the 29^th Infantry Division for infantry duty. Somehow “The War Department felt that they could bring over better trained Ranger type units from the states.” And with the 2^nd and 5^th Ranger Battalion coming over from the United States there was no need for another Ranger Battalion in Europe.

Lieutenant John Lee Warner, a British Commando weapons instructor at CBTC ( Commando Basic Training Center), training newly recruited Army Rangers of the U.S 29th Ranger Battalion in the use of an American made M1 Thompson .submachine gun; Lochaber, Scotland, early 1943 — Lieutenant John Lee Warner, a British Commando weapons instructor at CBTC ( Commando Basic Training Center), training newly recruited Army Rangers of the U.S 29^th Ranger Battalion in the use of an American made M1 Thompson .submachine gun; Lochaber, Scotland, early 1943

Meanwhile the 1^st Ranger Battalion stays for two months in Arzew, Algeria acting as occupational force. On January 26^th, 1943, they receive five officers and one hundred enlisted men to replace their losses. At the same time D Company is reorganised back into an assault company. On February 1^st, 1943, the battalion boards thirty-two C-47’s and flies to Youk-Les-Bains Airfield, Algeria. Here they are attached to II Corps start planning several raids on the Axis forces.

The succes of the North African raids made General Marshall authorise the formation of two additional battalions on April 19^th, 1943. The 83^rd Chemical Mortar Battalion is attached to the three Ranger Battalions, and the complete unit is designated as the Ranger Force (Provisional). Since there is no headquarters authorised, Darby has to command both the 1^st Ranger Battalion as the Ranger Force. The newly to be formed battalions draw their cadre from the 1^st Ranger Battalion. Companies A and B form the cadre for the 3^rd Ranger Battalion. Companies E and F form the 4^th Ranger Rangers, and Companies C and D become the basis for a new 1^st Ranger Battalion. During the same time recruiting teams scoured replacement depots and units to fill up the three battalions. The two new battalions are activated in Nemours, Algeria on May 21^st, 1943, and designated as “Provisional”. On June 21^st, 1943, the provisional status of the two new battalions and the Ranger Force is dropped. Darby has only weeks to train his force for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily.

Rangers of the 3^rd Battalion going ashore at Licata on July 10^th, 1943. The 3^rd Battalion opened the way for the 7^th Infantry Division landing.

After Palermo on Sicily is taken the three battalions of Darby’s Ranger Force assemble there, and immediately begin the preparations for the invasion of Italy. The Ranger Cannon Company with four 75mm halftrack mounted guns is formed and attached to the unit. After taking part in the invasion of Italy the unit is retracted from battle in December 1943 and stationed at Lucrino Station near Naples, Italy. Here it starts training new replacements. Here on January 16^th, 1944, the Ranger Force is redesignation as the 6615th Ranger Force (Provisional). It is authorised to form a Headquarters, it receives an extra battalion, the 509^th Parachute Infantry Battalion and company H, 36th Engineer Regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Darby is promoted to a full Colonel to command the unit.

Private First Class Ed Wall of the 4^th Ranger Battalion at Anzio.

During the disastrous Anzio campaign around Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, in January 1944, the 6615^th Ranger Force is almost annihilated. After the unit is retracted from battle. the 4th Battalion conducts a Fifth Army patrolling school at
Civitavecchia for a while. The 150 surviving members of the 1^st and 3^rd Battalion are sent to Camp Butner, North Carolina on May 6^th, 1944, and from there on to various replacement training centres as instructors. In the end most are reassigned to the 1^st Regiment. of the 1^st Special Service Force. Honouring their legacy as Rangers, they were permitted to wear their Ranger Battalion scrolls over the Force’s arrowhead patch. The 1^st and 3^rd Battalion, now at zero strength, are administratively transferred to Camp Butner, North Carolina and inactivated on August 15^th, 1944. The 4^th Rangers are inactivated there on October 26^th, 1944.

In January 1943, the Army Ranger School is established at Camp Forrest, Tennessee United States. A little later, on April 1^st, 1943, the 2^nd Ranger Battalion is formed there. The men undergo a training program similar to that of the Commandos and Rangers in Great Britain. The program is run by 1^st Battalion officers and NCO’s that are no longer considered fit for combat. Major James E. Rudder takes command of the 2^nd Battalion in June 1943. The unit moves to Fort Pierce, Florida in the beginning of September 1943 to attend the Scouts and Raiders School, for small boat handling. On September 17^th, 1943, it moves to Fort Dix, New Jersey for advanced tactical training. The 2^nd Battalion
departs for Great Britain on November 21^st, 1943.

On September 1^st, 1943, the Army Ground Forces authorises the formation of a second Ranger Battalion to be used in the upcoming invasion of Northwest Europe. The 5^th Ranger Infantry Battalion starts it’s training at Camp Forrest, Tennessee United States on September 14^th, 1943. The battalion receives a similar same basic training as the 2^nd Battalion. After completing basic training, the unit moves to the Scouts and Raiders School in Florida for amphibious training in November. On November 20^th, 1943, it moves to Fort Dix, New Jersey, for advanced tactical training. After completion in January 1944 the battalion departs for Great Britain. Here, at the end of April Lieutenant-Colonel Max Ferguson Schneider, of the 1st Battalion assumes command of the Battalion.

In Great Britain both battalions’ go through several cycles of training before joining up in the beginning of May for the preparations for Operation Overlord. On May 6^th, 1944, the Provisional Ranger Group is formed. This group is commanded Lieutenant-Colonel Rudder, who also retains
command of the 2nd Battalion. The unit was attached to the 116^th Infantry Regiment of the 29^th Infantry Division.

After the Normandy invasion the both the 2^nd and 5^th Battalion are taken out of battle and refitted in the rear area. During the month of July, they train, receive replacements, and perform rear area security duties. After which both battalions are used in the battle for Brittany. In late September both battalions are sent to Belgium. The 5^th Battalion stays there and during the months of October and November it provides security duties for the Twelfth Army Group Headquarters. The 2^nd Battalion stays in Arlon, Belgium for two weeks to rest and receive replacements. While moving to Belgium, the Ranger Cannon Platoon is disbanded, and the crews transfer to the rifle companies. On October 20^th, 1944, the 2^nd Battalion is attached to the First Army’s VIII Corps and moves to Luxembourg. A little time later they are attached to the 28^th Infantry Division. By November 14^th, 1945, the battalion has assumed defensive positions outside Vossenach, Germany.

After the battle for Hill 400, the 2^nd Battalion is then sent to the bivouac area in the Hürtgen Forest. Here it is rested and refitted. During the battle of the Bulge the unit is attached to 78^th Infantry Division. With this division the unit is put back into battle, but their days of heavy fighting are over.

On December 24^th, 1944, the 5^th Battalion moves to Metz to for refitting. After selection, the 5^th Battalion’s strength was still only 398 men and officers, some 108 soldiers below its authorised strength. The replacements are trained under sub-freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. After this the unit is send declared fit for action again.

When the war in Europe ends the 2^nd Battalion is near Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. There they help the Military Government units by guarding supplies and rounding up German soldiers in hiding. After the surrender of Japan on August 15^th,1945, the 2^nd Battalion, is moved to Camp Lucky Strike, near Le Havre, France. On October 16^th, 1945, boards the USS West Point to head back to the United States. Here the unit is moved to Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia.) On October 23^rd, 1945, the 2^nd Ranger Battalion is deactivated at that same place.

The 5^th Battalion is in Luxembourg when the war in Europe ends. They move into Germany, and from there to Austria supporting Military Government units there. The 5^th Battalion guards supplies and rounds up German soldiers. After the surrender of Japan on August 15^th,1945, the 5^th Battalion, is moved to Camp Lucky Strike, near Le Havre, France. Here they board the USS Sea Snipe for their return to the United States. The 5^th Battalion is moved to at Camp Miles Standish, Taunton, Massachusetts. Here it deactivates on October 2^nd, 1945.

Meanwhile early 1944 in the Pacific, Lieutenant-General Walter Krueger, commander the Sixth United States Army in the South West Pacific Area also calls for foundation of a Ranger Battalion. The unit is to be used for the invasion of the Philippines. He orders Lieutenant-Colonel Henry “Hank” Andrews Mucci to take command the 98th Field Artillery Battalion. At that time Mucci who had come from Hawaii where he operated the predecessor of the Ranger Combat Training School, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Arriving in April 1944, he starts to transform this Unit into a Ranger Battalion. He downsizes the battalion from 1,000 to 500 men. Personnel not wishing to become Rangers are transferred out, while volunteers are assigned. From her on he starts an intensive training program. The 6th Ranger Infantry Battalion. is activated on September 24^th, 1944, at Hollandia, New Guinea. The unit is active in the Gulf of Leyte and Luzon. After Luzon they start preparing for the invasion of Japan. However, the end of the war catches up with them. On September 15^th, 1945, the unit departed for Japan to conduct occupational duties. On December 30^th, 1945, the unit was deactivated in Kyoto, Japan.