The 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed at Camp Forrest, Tennessee on April 1st, 1943 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 in World War II.
History[]
On June 6th, 1944, Dog, Easy and Fox companies landed at Pointe du Hoc from Landing craft operated by the Royal Navy. During the attack, two hundred twenty-five men scaled the cliffs, however, only ninety 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 of Brest and the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. The battalion was deactivated after the war together with the 5th and 6th Battalion.
Units[]
- D Company
- E Company
- F Company
Notable Members[]
The 2nd Rangers standing in formation in 1943 and 1945.
- Colonel Blake - The commanding officer
- First Lieutenant Coffey - The commanding officer at The Battle of Pointe du Hoc
- Second Lieutenant Myers - The commanding officer at Hill 400
- Sergeant/Second Lieutenant Randall
- Corporal/Sergeant Bill Taylor
- Private First Class Garcia (K.I.A.)
- Private First Class Rosetti (K.I.A.)
- Private First Class Jones (K.I.A.)
- Private First Class Peas
- Private First Class Ward
- Private First Class Henderson
- Private Braeburn (Alive/K.I.A.)
- Private Donnie McCloskey
- Private Hawkins (Alive/K.I.A.)
- Private Lentz (K.I.A.)
- Private Carter
Gallery[]
