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2nd Ranger Battalion (United States)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| 2nd Ranger Battalion | |
|---|---|
 2nd Ranger Battalion Shoulder Sleeve Insignia |
|
| Active | 1943-1945, 1974-present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Regular Army |
| Type | Infantry battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Lewis |
| Nickname | "Second Rangers" |
| Motto | "Rangers Lead The Way" |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Pointe du Hoc *Battle of Hurtgen Forest, |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation, Croix de Guerre |
2nd Ranger Battalion is the name of two distinct units of United States Army Rangers. The first was part of the six Ranger battalions 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.
Contents |
On April 1, 1943 the 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed at Camp Forrest, 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 June 6, 1944 Dog, Easy and Fox companies were landed at Pointe du Hoc from landing craft operated by the British Royal Navy. During the attack, 225 men scaled the cliffs, however only 90 of them were still standing after two days of relentless fighting. They managed to disable the German artillery, paving the way for the invasion of France.
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 2nd Ranger Battalion was reactivated in 1974 as an elite reconnaissance unit 8 months after 1st Ranger Battalion. It was later changed into a special operations force unit and became 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in 1984.
- Ranger Battalions of World War II
- Brief unit history during WWII
- Brief history since reactivation in 1974
