2nd Ranger Battalion
Encyclopedia
2nd Ranger Battalion is the name of two distinct units of United States Army Rangers
. The first was part of the six Ranger battalion
s of the Second World War. The second was formed when the battalion was reactivated in 1974 and still serves to this day under the 75th Ranger Regiment.
, Tennessee along with the 5th Ranger Battalion
. Both battalions were officially activated in September 1943 and shipped to Great Britain where they were prepared for Operation Overlord
.
On 6 June 1944, Dog, Easy, and Fox Companies, commanded by Lt. Colonel James Rudder, landed at Pointe du Hoc
from LCA landing craft
and specially modified DUKW "Ducks" operated by the Royal Navy
. 225 Rangers set off from Britain to launch an assault upon the Pointe, a cliff overlooking the English Channel. In order to over-strength the 2nd Battalion, members of what was formerly the 29th Rangers were assigned here as well.
Unfortunately, various landing craft containing supplies and Rangers capsized in the stormy waters. Many of those Rangers drowned due to heavy equipment, but those that were saved were hoisted into other DUKWs and participated in the attack. The Rangers were due to land at the base of the cliffs at 0600 hours (6:00 am), but, due to a navigation error, landed nearly an hour late. This mistake cost several Ranger lives and the element of surprise. During the attack, the 190 remaining Rangers scaled the cliffs utilizing rope ladders; however, only 90 Rangers were still able to bear arms after two days of relentless fighting. During the assault, 2nd Battalion managed to disable a battery of 155mm French artillery pieces captured by the Germans, which was their primary objective. These guns were to be aimed at Utah Beach; however, Ranger heroics prevented their usage, saving countless American lives on the shores of Normandy.
Meanwhile Able, Baker and Charlie Companies landed along with the 5th Rangers, the 1st Infantry Division
and the 29th Infantry Division
at Omaha Beach
. They suffered heavy casualties but were still able to complete their D-Day objectives. The 2nd Rangers were later involved in the Battle for Brest
and the Battle of Hurtgen Forest
. The battalion was deactivated after the war together with the 5th and 6th Battalion.
The 2/75th participated in Operation Urgent Fury in October, 1983. During the invasion of Grenada, the 2nd conducted a daring low-level parachute assault (500 feet), seized the airfield at Point Salines, rescued American citizens at the True Blue Medical Campus, and conducted air assault operations to eliminate pockets of resistance.
In December, 1989 the battalion took part in Operation Just Cause. The 2nd and 3rd Ranger Battalions and a Regimental Command and Control Team, conducted a parachute assault onto the airfield at Rio Hato, to neutralize the Panamanian Defense Force rifle companies and seize General Manuel Noriega's beach house. Following the successful completion of these assaults, Rangers conducted follow-on operations in support of Joint Task Force (JTF)-South. The Rangers captured 1,014 Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW), and over 18,000 arms of various types. The Rangers sustained 5 killed and 42 wounded.
Recently in October 2007 D-co was added to all 3 Battalions of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
, where the player, Cpl. Bill Taylor takes part in the Battle of Pointe-du-Hoc, the taking of Hill 400, and the Rhine River crossing.
In the 2002 video game Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
, the game's protagonist, Lt. Mike Powell, serves in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Also in Medal of Honor: Frontline
, the game's main character, Lt. Jimmy Patterson also serves in 2nd Ranger Battalion during one of the missions.
One of the fictional characters from Saving Private Ryan
, Captain John Miller, is the C.O. of Charlie Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion. The film follows Miller and seven other Rangers of the Company as they trek across Normandy
to rescue a soldier who has lost all his brothers.
In Con Air
, Nicolas Cage's character is a veteran of 2nd Ranger Battalion.
United States Army Rangers
United States Army Rangers are elite members of the United States Army. Rangers have served in recognized U.S. Army Ranger units or have graduated from the U.S. Army's Ranger School...
. The first was part of the six Ranger battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
s of the Second World War. The second was formed when the battalion was reactivated in 1974 and still serves to this day under the 75th Ranger Regiment.
World War II
On 1 April 1943 the 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed at Camp ForrestCamp Forrest
Camp Forrest, located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, was one of the U.S. Army's largest training bases during World War II. It was an active Army post between 1941 and 1946.-History:...
, Tennessee along with the 5th Ranger Battalion
5th Ranger Battalion
The Fifth Ranger Infantry Battalion was a World War II Ranger battalion activated on 1 September 1943 at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. By this time, while in maneuvers on the United States, they were commanded by the Major Owen Carter...
. Both battalions were officially activated in September 1943 and shipped to Great Britain where they were prepared for Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings...
.
On 6 June 1944, Dog, Easy, and Fox Companies, commanded by Lt. Colonel James Rudder, landed at Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc is a clifftop location on the coast of Normandy in northern France. It lies 4 miles west of Omaha Beach, and stands on 100 ft tall cliffs overlooking the sea...
from LCA landing craft
Landing craft
Landing craft are boats and seagoing vessels used to convey a landing force from the sea to the shore during an amphibious assault. Most renowned are those used to storm the beaches of Normandy, the Mediterranean, and many Pacific islands during WWII...
and specially modified DUKW "Ducks" operated by the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
. 225 Rangers set off from Britain to launch an assault upon the Pointe, a cliff overlooking the English Channel. In order to over-strength the 2nd Battalion, members of what was formerly the 29th Rangers were assigned here as well.
Unfortunately, various landing craft containing supplies and Rangers capsized in the stormy waters. Many of those Rangers drowned due to heavy equipment, but those that were saved were hoisted into other DUKWs and participated in the attack. The Rangers were due to land at the base of the cliffs at 0600 hours (6:00 am), but, due to a navigation error, landed nearly an hour late. This mistake cost several Ranger lives and the element of surprise. During the attack, the 190 remaining Rangers scaled the cliffs utilizing rope ladders; however, only 90 Rangers were still able to bear arms after two days of relentless fighting. During the assault, 2nd Battalion managed to disable a battery of 155mm French artillery pieces captured by the Germans, which was their primary objective. These guns were to be aimed at Utah Beach; however, Ranger heroics prevented their usage, saving countless American lives on the shores of Normandy.
Meanwhile Able, Baker and Charlie Companies landed along with the 5th Rangers, the 1st Infantry Division
U.S. 1st Infantry Division
The 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army is the oldest division in the United States Army. It has seen continuous service since its organization in 1917...
and the 29th Infantry Division
U.S. 29th Infantry Division
The 29th Infantry Division is an infantry division of the United States Army based in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It is a formation of the United States Army National Guard and contains units from Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina....
at Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II...
. They suffered heavy casualties but were still able to complete their D-Day objectives. The 2nd Rangers were later involved in the Battle for Brest
Battle for Brest
The Battle for Brest was one of the fiercest battles fought during Operation Cobra, the Allied breakout of Normandy which began on 27 July 1944, during the Battle of Normandy during World War II....
and the Battle of Hurtgen Forest
Battle of Hurtgen Forest
The Battle of Hürtgen Forest is the name given to the series of fierce battles fought between U.S. and German forces during World War II in the Hürtgen Forest, which became the longest battle on German ground during World War II, and the longest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought...
. The battalion was deactivated after the war together with the 5th and 6th Battalion.
Modern
The 2nd Ranger Battalion was reactivated in 1974 as an elite combat unit 8 months after 1st Ranger Battalion. The modern Ranger battalions were strategic assets, and prepared to conduct missions short-notice worldwide. It was later designated as a part of the newly formed Special Operations Command and became 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in 1984.The 2/75th participated in Operation Urgent Fury in October, 1983. During the invasion of Grenada, the 2nd conducted a daring low-level parachute assault (500 feet), seized the airfield at Point Salines, rescued American citizens at the True Blue Medical Campus, and conducted air assault operations to eliminate pockets of resistance.
In December, 1989 the battalion took part in Operation Just Cause. The 2nd and 3rd Ranger Battalions and a Regimental Command and Control Team, conducted a parachute assault onto the airfield at Rio Hato, to neutralize the Panamanian Defense Force rifle companies and seize General Manuel Noriega's beach house. Following the successful completion of these assaults, Rangers conducted follow-on operations in support of Joint Task Force (JTF)-South. The Rangers captured 1,014 Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW), and over 18,000 arms of various types. The Rangers sustained 5 killed and 42 wounded.
Recently in October 2007 D-co was added to all 3 Battalions of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Unit Awards and Streamers
The 2nd Battalion has earned numerous unit awards and battle streamers. Among them are:- Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered EL GUETTAR
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered SALERNO
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered POINTE DU HOC
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered SAAR RIVER AREA
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered MYITKYINA
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM ’66-’68
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – II CORPS AREA
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BINH DUONG PROVINCE
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FISH HOOK
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered III CORPS AREA’69
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered III CORPS AREA’71
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered THUA THEIN-QUANG TRI
- Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered GRENADA
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM’68
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM’69
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM’69–70
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered PACIFIC AREA
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Stream embroidered PANAMA
Notable 2nd Battalion alumni
- Specialist Tim AbellTim AbellTimothy Shawn "Tim" Abell is an American film and television actor.-Early Life:The youngest of three children, Tim came from the Maryland and Virginia area, where summers were spent fishing on the Chesapeake for striped bass, blue fish, blue crabs and oysters in his father's fifty-year-old 47-foot...
, television and movie actor; served in Charlie Company 2/75 as an enlisted man in 1976–1977. - First Lieutenant John P. Abizaid served as a Platoon leader 1975–1976 in Alpha Company and later as the XO of Charlie Company from 1976 to 1977. He went on to command Central Command in the second Gulf War, taking over from General Tommy Franks. His change in intelligence methods lead to the capture of Saddam HusseinSaddam HusseinSaddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti was the fifth President of Iraq, serving in this capacity from 16 July 1979 until 9 April 2003...
. He retired as a General. - Lieutenant General David BarnoDavid BarnoDavid W. Barno is a retired Lieutenant General of the United States Army. He was head of Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan from 2003–2005.-Early life:Barno is a native of Endicott, New York...
, commanded 2nd Ranger Battalion from 1993 to 1994. Later became Commander, Military Operations-Afghanistan. - Lieutenant Colonel Wayne A. DowningWayne A. DowningWayne Allan Downing was a retired four-star United States Army general born in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962 and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University.-Military career:*Sep 62 - Feb...
was the third Battalion Commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and eventually commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment, and Special Operations Command. He retired as a General. - Captain Gerald Heaney, WWII, landed at Normandy on the early hours of D-Day, Heaney was one of only three still on the front lines with the Rangers on VE Day. He served for nearly forty years as a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
- Captain Robert L. HowardRobert L. HowardRobert Lewis Howard was a highly decorated United States Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. He was wounded 14 times over 54 months of combat, was awarded 8 Purple Hearts, 4 Bronze Stars, and was nominated for the Medal of Honor three separate times...
was nominated for three Medals of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. Two were downgraded, and he did earn one. Howard commanded Alpha Company from approximately 1975−1977. Howard was later inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. - Second Lieutenant Leonard LomellLeonard LomellLeonard G. “Bud” Lomell was a highly decorated former United States Army Ranger who served in World War II. He is best known for his actions in the first hours of D-Day at Pointe du Hoc on the coast of Normandy, France...
, served as platoon leader during the D-Day landings. Was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. - Sergeant First Class Leroy PetryLeroy PetryLeroy Arthur Petry is a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army and recipient of the Medal of Honor. Petry was nominated for The Medal for his actions during a firefight in Afghanistan as a Staff Sergeant in the 2nd Ranger Battalion...
, Medal of Honor recipient in the War in Afghanistan - Colonel James Earl RudderJames Earl RudderJames Earl Rudder was a United States Army Major General, Texas Land Commissioner, and President of Texas A&M University.-Early life:...
, commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion during World War II, later major general USAR and president of Texas A&M University, led the Ranger assault on Pointe du Hoc on D-Day. - Sergeant First Class Randy ShughartRandy ShughartSergeant First Class Randall David Shughart was a soldier in the United States Army special operations unit, the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta , or "Delta Force." Shughart posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Mogadishu in October...
, Medal of Honor recipient sniper who was killed during the Battle of Mogadishu. - Corporal Pat TillmanPat TillmanCorporal Patrick Daniel "Pat" Tillman Jr. was an American football player who left his professional career and enlisted in the United States Army in June 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks. He joined the Army Rangers and served several tours in combat before he died in the...
, an American football player who left his NFL career and enlisted in the United States Army in May 2002 and was killed on 22 April 2004. - Sergeant Stephen Trujillo, awarded the Silver Star during Operation Urgent Fury, the first Silver Star awarded since Vietnam, after rescuing fellow Rangers from a downed aircraft while under direct enemy fire. Trujillo was the guest of President Ronald Reagan at the 1984 State of the Union Address.
- General Stanley McCrystal, commanded 2nd Ranger Bat from 94 to 96, later when on to Command US and ISAF forces in Afghanistan
In popular culture
The 2nd Ranger Battalion is featured in Call of Duty 2Call of Duty 2
Call of Duty 2 is a first-person shooter video game and the second installment in the critically acclaimed Call of Duty series. It was developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. It was released on October 25, 2005 for Microsoft Windows and on November 22, 2005 as a launch game for the...
, where the player, Cpl. Bill Taylor takes part in the Battle of Pointe-du-Hoc, the taking of Hill 400, and the Rhine River crossing.
In the 2002 video game Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault is a first-person shooter computer game developed by 2015, Inc. and created by Steven Spielberg. It is the 3rd installment of the Medal of Honor series...
, the game's protagonist, Lt. Mike Powell, serves in the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Also in Medal of Honor: Frontline
Medal of Honor: Frontline
-External links:*...
, the game's main character, Lt. Jimmy Patterson also serves in 2nd Ranger Battalion during one of the missions.
One of the fictional characters from Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American war film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. It was directed by Steven Spielberg, with a screenplay by Robert Rodat. The film is notable for the intensity of its opening 27 minutes, which depicts the Omaha Beach assault of June 6, 1944....
, Captain John Miller, is the C.O. of Charlie Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion. The film follows Miller and seven other Rangers of the Company as they trek across Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
to rescue a soldier who has lost all his brothers.
Sole Survivor Policy
The Sole Survivor Policy or DoD Directive 1315.15 "Special Separation Policies for Survivorship" describes a set of regulations in the U.S. military that are designed to protect members of a family from the draft or from combat duty if they have already lost family members in military...
In Con Air
Con Air
Con Air is an Academy Award–nominated 1997 American action-thriller film directed by Simon West and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack and John Malkovich...
, Nicolas Cage's character is a veteran of 2nd Ranger Battalion.