2nd Ranger Battalion

2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
2nd Ranger Battalion shoulder sleeve insignia
Active	1943–45, 1974–present
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Army
Type	Specializedlight infantry
Role	Special operations
Size	Battalion
Part of	75th Ranger Regiment
Garrison/HQ	Joint Base Lewis–McChord,U.S.
Nickname(s)	Army Rangers
Colors	Black and Red
Engagements	World War II Operation Overlord Pointe du Hoc Battle for Brest Battle of Hurtgen Forest Operation Urgent Fury Operation Just Cause Operation Uphold Democracy War on Terror War in Afghanistan Iraq War Operation Inherent Resolve
Commanders
Notable commanders	James Earl Rudder Wayne A. Downing
Insignia
Distinctive unit insignia
Unit beret flash
NATO Map Symbol (1998)
NATO Map Symbol (2017)

The2nd Ranger Battalion,currently based atJoint Base Lewis–McChordsouth ofSeattle,Washington, United States, is the second of three ranger battalions belonging to theUnited States Army's75th Ranger Regiment.

History

World War II

Rangers demonstrating the rope ladders used to assaultPointe du Hoc

Formation of Ranger Battalions

On 1 April 1943 the 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed atCamp Forrest,Tennessee, along with the5th Ranger Battalion.Both battalions were officially activated in September 1943 and shipped to Great Britain where they were prepared forOperation Overlordas part of six Rangerbattalionsof the Second World War.

Assault at Point du Hoc

On 6 June 1944, Dog, Easy, and Fox Companies, commanded by Lieutenant ColonelJames Rudder,landed atPointe du Hocfrom LCAlanding craftand specially modifiedDUKW "Ducks"operated by theRoyal Navy.The 225 Rangers had set off from Britain to launch an assault upon the cliffs overlooking the English Channel. In order to augment the strength of the 2nd Battalion, members of theProvisional Ranger Groupwere assigned as well. Several landing craft containing Rangers and supplies capsized in the stormy waters and many Rangers drowned due to heavy equipment, but others were saved and hoisted into other DUKWs to participate in the attack. The Rangers had planned to land at the base of the cliffs at 0600 hours, however, because of a navigational error, they landed nearly an hour late. This cost the lives of more Rangers as well as the element of surprise. During the attack, the 190 remaining Rangers scaled the cliffs utilizing rope ladders, but only 90 Rangers were still able to bear arms after two days of relentless fighting. During the assault, 2nd Battalion managed to achieve their primary objective, disabling a battery of155mm French artillerycaptured by the Germans. These guns were to be aimed atUtah Beach,however, the Rangers prevented their use, saving American lives on the shores of Normandy.

Omaha Beach

Meanwhile, Able, Baker, and Charlie Companies landed along with the5th Rangers,the1st Infantry Division,and the29th Infantry DivisionatOmaha Beach.They suffered extremely heavy casualties but were able to complete their D-Day objectives. Able suffered up to 96% casualties with just two men making it off the beaches.The 2nd Rangers were later involved in theBattle for Brestand theBattle of Hürtgen Forestwhere they led the assault onHill 400, Bergstein.

Deactivation

The battalion was deactivated after the war, together with the 5th and6th Battalion.

Reformation of the modern day 2nd Ranger Battalion

The modern day 2nd Ranger Battalion also draws heritage from the 5307 Composite Unit, also known asMerrill's Marauders.This unit was consolidated with Company H, 475th Infantry before eventually being deactivated after the end of the war.

Post-WWII

Korean War

In 1950, the 2nd Ranger Battalion was redesignated as the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company and activated to serve during the Korean War before being inactivated. Later, in 1960, while still deactivated, it was consolidated with 4th Company, 2d Battalion, 1st Regiment,1st Special Service Forceand eventually was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company,10th Special Forces Group.

Okinawa

In 1954, Company H, 475th Infantry was redesignated as Company H,75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger)and was reactivated for a short time before being inactivated in Okinawa.

Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War,Company H, 75th Infantrywas reactivated and served as aLRRPunit during the war, becoming the longest serving in LRP/Ranger history and the most decorated. It was deactivated for a short time in 1972.Following the success of the 1st Battalion,75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger)which was raised in 1974, the 2nd Battalion, 75th Infantry was activated later that year, inheriting its colors and lineage from Company H, 75th Infantry.

Reorganization

In 1986, the 2nd battalion, 75th Infantry was reorganized and consolidated with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th SFG (which was formerly Company A, 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion), thus inheriting its World War II 2nd Ranger Battalion heritage. It was concurrently redesignated as 2nd Battalion, of the newly formed75th Ranger Regiment.

Grenada

The modern Ranger battalions are strategic assets, prepared to conduct missions on short-notice worldwide. The 2/75th participated inOperation Urgent Furyin October 1983. During the invasion of Grenada, the 2nd conducted a low-level parachute assault (500 feet), seized the airfield atPoint Salines,rescued American citizens at theTrue Blue Medical Campus,and conducted air assault operations to eliminate pockets of resistance.

Panama

In December 1989 the battalion took part inOperation Just Cause.The 2nd and 3rd Ranger Battalions and a regimental command and control team, conducted aparachute assault onto the airfieldatRio Hato,to neutralize thePanamanian Defense Forcerifle companies and seize GeneralManuel Noriega'sbeach 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 enemyprisoners of war(EPW), and over 18,000 arms of various types. The Rangers sustained 5 killed and 42 wounded.

War on Terror

A Ranger from 2nd Ranger Battalion providing overwatch during combat operations in Iraq.

Rangers from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion prepare to provide security and lay down suppressive fire during a live fire exercise atFt Hunter Liggett,CA, Jan. 25, 2014.

Beginning of operations in Afghanistan

Following theSeptember 11 attacks,the battalion has continuously deployed in support of theGlobal War on Terrorism.In March 2002, 2nd Battalion deployed toAfghanistanin support ofOperation Enduring Freedomand conducted numerousair assaults,raids, patrols, and ambushes against anti-coalition forces. In December 2002, elements of 2nd Battalion again deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, followed in February 2003 by the whole battalion. This period marked the first time in history of the modern ranger regiment that a ranger battalion was required to conduct long-duration and sustained combat operations.

Beginning of operations in Iraq

The battalion participated in the2003 invasion of Iraqat the start of theIraq War.On 26 March 2003, B company supportedNavy SEALsfromDEVGRUin theObjective Beavermission. On 1 April 2003, 290 Rangers from 2/75th and 1/75th took part in the successfulrescue of PFC Jessica Lynch.2nd Battalion was also the first American force with boots on the ground inBaghdadso they could established a base of operations for follow on units and later participated in operations to capture known and wanted terrorists operating within the country. From November to December 2003, the battalion deployed again to Afghanistan and Rangers pursued enemies in the most remote regions of the country. Despite extreme altitudes and bitter cold, the battalion conducted mountain patrols at altitudes upwards of 9,000 feet, mobile patrols through major population centers, and conductedair assaultsanddirect actionraids on heavily defended enemy objectives.

Further operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

From March to May 2004 and July to October 2004, the battalion deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Death of Zarqawi

On 7 June 2006, Rangers from 2nd platoon of C company, accompaniedDelta Forceoperators to a farmhouse in the villageHibhib,northeast ofBaquba,Iraq, whereJSOChad tracked downAbu Musab al-Zarqawi(the leader ofAQI). AnF-16Cairstrike was called in which destroyed the house. US forces recovered the severely wounded Zarqawi who succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter.

Honoring decorated Rangers

On May 19, 2017, over 150 Rangers from 2nd Battalion were honored with combat decorations for their work duringOperation Freedom's Sentinel.They included one Ranger who received theSilver Star,5 Rangers who received theBronze Starwith "V" device, and 5 more who received theJoint Service Commendation Medalwith "V" device.

Night Raid in Nimruz Operation

On 24 November 2018, members of 2nd Battalion conducted a night raid against al-Qaida senior leaders inKash Roddistrict,Nimruzprovince, alongside the obscure Afghan Ktah Khas partner force. During the raid, Army Ranger Sgt. Leandro Jasso was killed by friendly fire from a Ktah Khas operator. All Ktah Khas operators denied shooting Jasso. In total, 10 enemy fighters were reported killed that night. The Rangers and Afghan troops destroyed a large enemy weapons cache, evacuated their casualties, and extracted back to base.

Ranger Casualties

As of 4 July 2022, 25 Rangers in (or previously in) 2nd Battalion have been killed during the War on Terror, 20 of them in combat.

Lineage

The 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment traces its lineage to two units; Company H, 475th Infantry Regiment (previously known as the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), or "Merrill's Marauders") and Company A, 2nd Ranger Battalion. The units originally had separate lineages, but were then consolidated in 1986.

• Constituted 3 October 1943 in the Army of the United States in theChina-Burma-India Theater of Operationsas an element of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
• Consolidated 10 August 1944 with Company H, 475th Infantry (constituted 25 May 1944 in the Army of the United States), and consolidated unit designated as Company H, 475th Infantry
• Inactivated 1 July 1945 in China
• Redesignated 21 June 1954 asCompany H, 75th Infantry
• Allotted 26 October 1954 to the Regular Army
• Activated 20 November 1954 on Okinawa
• Inactivated 21 March 1956 on Okinawa
• Activated 1 February 1969 in Vietnam
• Inactivated 15 August 1972 in Vietnam
• Redesignated 1 October 1974 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 75th Infantry, and activated atFort Lewis,Washington (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
• Headquarters and Headquarters Company consolidated 3 February 1986 with former Company A, 2d Infantry Battalion (see ANNEX); 2d Battalion, 75th Infantry, concurrently redesignated as the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

Annex

• Constituted 11 March 1943 in the Army of the United States as Company A, 2d Ranger Battalion
• Activated 1 April 1943 atCamp Forrest,Tennessee
• Redesignated 1 August 1943 as Company A, 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion
• Inactivated 23 October 1945 atCamp Patrick Henry,Virginia
• Redesignated 29 July 1949 as Company A, 2d Infantry Battalion
• Activated 15 September 1949 in thePanama Canal Zone
• Inactivated 4 January 1950 in the Panama Canal Zone
• Redesignated 25 October 1950 as the 2d Ranger Infantry Company and allotted to the Regular Army
• Activated 28 October 1950 at Fort Benning, Georgia
• Inactivated 1 August 1951 in Korea
• Redesignated 24 November 1952 as Company A, 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion
• Activated 1 July 1955 inIceland
• Inactivated 11 March 1960 atFort Hamilton,New York
• Consolidated 15 April 1960 with the 4th Company, 2d Battalion, 1st Regiment,1st Special Service Force(activated 9 July 1942), and consolidated unit was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company,10th Special Forces Group,1st Special Forces
• Consolidated 30 September 1960 with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Special Forces Group (activated 11 June 1952), and consolidated unit designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated 20 March 1961)
• Former Company A, 2d Infantry Battalion, withdrawn 3 February 1986, consolidated with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 75th Infantry, and consolidated unit redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment (remainder of 10th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces—hereafter separate lineage)

Unit awards and streamers

Memorial erected by the Battalion to mark their time spent inBude,Cornwallduring the Second World War

The 2nd Battalion has earned numerous unit awards and battle streamers.Among them are:

• Presidential Unit Citation(Army), Streamer embroideredEL GUETTAR
• Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroideredSALERNO
• Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroideredPOINTE DU HOC
• Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered SAAR RIVER AREA
• Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroideredMYITKYINA
• Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966–68
• Valorous Unit Award,Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – II CORPS AREA
• Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – BINH DUONG PROVINCE
• Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – CAMBODIAFISH HOOK1970
• Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – III CORPS AREA 1969
• Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – III CORPS AREA 1971
• Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM – THUA THEIN-QUANG TRI PROVINCES 1968
• Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroideredGRENADA1983
• Meritorious Unit Commendation(Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968
• Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969
• Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969–70
• Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered PACIFIC AREA
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award,Stream embroidered PANAMA 1989
• Valorous Unit Award,IRAQ
• Valorous Unit Award,AFGHANISTAN

Notable 2nd Battalion alumni

• CaptainRalph E. Goransoncommanded Charlie Company of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, made up of 2 platoons (68 men), being the first of all the participants in the operation to touch land disembarking in the Charlie Sector of Omaha Beach during Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), attacking Gambier House at the top of the Vierville Valley. He fulfilled the assigned mission, survived the war and died on November 14, 2012. His figure is portrayed in the movieSaving Private Ryanin the character of Captain John H. Miller, played by actorTom Hanks.
• GeneralAustin S. Miller,current commander ofResolute Support Mission.Former platoon leader in A company, 2nd battalion,75th Ranger Regiment.Miller also served withDelta Force.
• First LieutenantJohn P. Abizaidserved 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 commandCENTCOMduring the second Gulf War. His change in intelligence methods led to the capture ofSaddam Hussein.He retired as a General.
• Lieutenant GeneralDavid Barno,commanded 2nd Ranger Battalion from 1993 to 1994. Later became Commander, Military Operations-Afghanistan.
• Brigadier General James Emory Mace, recipient ofDistinguished Service Cross (Vietnam),2nd Ranger Battalion Commander and the first Commander of the Ranger Training Brigade; 15th Annual Ranger Hall of Fame inductee 2007.
• Lieutenant ColonelWayne A. Downingwas the third Battalion Commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and eventually commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment, andSpecial Operations Command.He retired as a General.
• CaptainGerald Heaney,World War II, landed at Normandy on the early hours of D-Day, Heaney was one of only three still on the front lines with the Rangers onVE Day.He served for nearly forty years as afederal judgeon theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
• CaptainRobert L. Howardwas nominated for the Medal of Honor three times for his actions in Vietnam, receiving it once. Howard commanded Alpha Company from approximately 1975–1977. Howard was later inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.
• Second LieutenantLeonard Lomell,served as platoon leader during the D-Day landings. Was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.
• Sergeant First ClassLeroy Petry,Medal of Honor recipient in the War in Afghanistan
• ColonelJames Earl Rudder,commander of the 2nd Ranger Battalion during World War II, later major generalUSARand president ofTexas A&M University,led the Ranger assault on Pointe du Hoc on D-Day.
• Sergeant First ClassRandy Shughart,posthumous Medal of Honor recipient; a sniper with Delta Force who was killed during theBattle of Mogadishu.
• CorporalPat Tillman,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 theSilver StarduringOperation Urgent Fury,the first Silver Star awarded since Vietnam, for rescuing fellow Rangers from a downed aircraft while under direct enemy fire.
• GeneralStanley McChrystal,commanded 2nd Ranger Batt from 1994 to 1996, later went on to Command US andISAFforces in Afghanistan
• SFCJason Everman,musician best known for playing in grunge bandsNirvanaandSoundgardenbefore enlisting in 1994.
• SergeantMat Best,Vice President of Black Rifle Coffee Company.
• SergeantKris Paronto,CIAGlobal Response Staffsecurity contractor during the2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya,former member of B Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion.
• Sergeant First ClassVincent “Rocco” Vargas,Actor, Writer, and Producer
• Master SergeantJoshua Wheeler,Delta Force operator andSilver Starrecipient, formerly with 2nd Battalion. He was the first American service member killed in action as a result of enemy firewhile fighting ISIS militantsand the first American to be killed in action in Iraq since November 2011.
• SergeantJohn Whitley,ActingUS Secretary of the Army.
• SpecialistLuke Elliott Sommer,bank robber.
• Staff Sergeant Sean Keough, two time recipient of thePurple Heartand theSilver Starfor his actions in combat during theGlobal War on Terrorism.
• Sergeant Peter Cimpoes, awarded theSilver Starfor his actions in combat during theGlobal War on Terrorism.
• Specialist Ricardo Cerros, awarded thePurple HeartandSilver Starfor his actions in combat during theGlobal War on Terrorism.SPC Cerros was killed in action on October 8, 2011.
• Specialist Joe Gibson, awarded theSilver Starfor his actions in combat during theGlobal War on Terrorism.

See also

• H Company, 75th Infantry (Ranger)– 2nd Battalion's lineage

External links

• 2nd Battalion, SOC.milArchived
• 2nd Battalion page, Fort BenningArchived
• 2nd Battalion, GlobalSecurity.orgArchived
• List of 2nd Battalion Rangers killedArchived
• Photographic history of 1st Cav LRRP Rangers in Vietnam
• Honor Our FallenArchivedon 4 July 2022

Further reading

• "Pointe Du Hoc 2nd Ranger Battalion".Small Unit Actions.American Forces in Action Series.United States Army Center of Military History.1946. CMH Pub 100-14. Archived fromthe originalon 9 June 2014.Retrieved4 June2010.