2nd Ranger Battalion (United States)
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| 2nd Ranger Battalion | |
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 2nd Ranger Battalion Shoulder Sleeve Insignia |
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| 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" |
| Engagements | 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.
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[edit] History
[edit] World War II
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, commanded by Colonel James Rudder, 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.
[edit] Modern
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.
Recently, Pat Tillman served in A Co., 2nd Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne). His choice to serve in such a unit instead of accepting a $3.5 million (US) contract for continuing his NFL career, shows the sort of dedication for which Rangers are often known and respected.
[edit] In Popular Culture
The 2nd Ranger Battalion is featured in Call of Duty 2, where the player, Cpl. Bill Taylor (based on Leonard Lomell) of Dog Company, takes part of the Battle of Pointe-du-Hoc, the Battle of Hurtgen Forest(Hill 400), and the second crossing the Rhine River into Germany.
One of the fictional characters from Saving Private Ryan, Captain John Miller, is from the 2nd Ranger Battalion.
[edit] External links
- Ranger Battalions of World War II
- Brief unit history during WWII
- Brief history since reactivation in 1974
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