In today’s post, we are going to take a look at a regiment, a United States Army unit who has played a major role in various operations that have led to great results in United States warfare and defense.
I speak of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Today, I am giving you the top 19 facts I have researched about this U.S. Army unit.
These facts are in no certain order, so read through and learn all you can about the 75th.
Keep in mind that Rangers were developed way back during the Revolutionary War. They were guerrilla fighters who could battle using methods normal troops did not use.
World War II
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #1: Creation
While Rangers had been used in U.S. operations long before, the 75th was created in 1942 with the 1st Ranger Battalion.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #2: First Battle
The first battle was a loss and several Rangers lost their lives. Fighting with British and Canadian commandos, 50 Rangers from the 1st Battalion participated in the raid on Dieppe in France.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #3: First Death In World War II
The first American soldier to die in World War II was a Ranger. It was during the Dieppe Raid and his name was Lieutenant E.V. Loustalot.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #4: Algeria
In November of 1942, the entire Ranger Battalion entered battle when they landed in Algeria. They had great success.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #5: Black Death
In 1943, the Rangers captured an Italian camp in just 20 minutes and the Italians nicknamed them the Black Death. Shortly after, they captured a pass and 200+ Italian prisoners.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #6: Becoming A Full Regiment
After the highly successful campaign that started in Algeria, Major William Darby requested 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions and the request was granted. But, Darby could only accept volunteers so he went on a huge marketing campaign.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #7: Tragedy
The 75th was quite successful with various campaigns in Italy but in late January of 1944, the task was to take the town of Cisterna. The 1st and 3rd Battalions were caught in an ambush and all but 6 soldiers were killed or captured. The 4th Battalion attempted to help but were unable. Those 3 Ranger Battalions were deactivated.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #8: 2 New Battalions
2 new Battalions of Rangers were trained… The 2nd and 5th. They saw action in June of 1944 at Operation Overlord.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #9: The 6th
Also created was the 6th Ranger Battalion who served in the Pacific during World War II. They are well known for freeing 500+ POWs in their last raid in the Philippines.
Korean War
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #10: Rangers In Korea
Guerrilla warfare was abundant in Korea and the U.S. knew they needed Rangers there. A total of 15 companies of Rangers were created for Korea. Many saw action leading from the front.
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Vietnam War
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #11: LRRP
The Vietnam War had Rangers located all over. They were primarily used in Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol and many Rangers lost their lives battling the Viet Cong.
After Vietnam
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #12: General Creighton Abrams
General Abrams knew that having Army Rangers was key to U.S. military strength. He ordered that Ranger Battalions be developed to great extent. In 1986, the 75th Ranger Regiment was again designated with 3 Battalions.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #13: Several Important Missions
Courtesy of Wikipedia CommonsThe 75th participated in many important missions… Let’s look at some:
- 1st Ranger Battalion participated in the Iranian hostage rescue attempt in 1980.
- 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions performed in Operation Urgent Fury where they rescued American citizens.
- The 75th Ranger Regiment participated in Operation Just Cause against Manuel Noriega.
- Elements went to Kuwait to support Operation Desert Storm.
- And no one will forget the Battle of Mogadishu which was a tragedy but Rangers showed their strength and fortitude.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #14: Continue To Show Their Strength
In the whole War on Terror, Rangers can be found all throughout the Middle East. They serve where most needed in Afghanistan, Iraq and all other zones.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #15: Motto
Most people know the Ranger motto: Rangers Lead the Way, but few know the 75th’s motto. It is Sua Sponte which means Of Their own Accord.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #16: Some 75th Members
There have been some highly notable members of the 75th Ranger regiment over the years. They include:
- Robert Ross Jr, better known as Ranger Ross is a Professional Wrestler.
- General Stanley A. McChrystal
- Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry
- General John P. Abizaid
- Captain Alejandro Villanueva – Professional Football Player
- Colonel Robert L. Howard
- Corporal Pat Tillman, was a great Football star and was killed in Afghanistan.
Those are just a few.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #17: Current Leadership
The current Commander of the 75th Ranger regiment is Colonel Marcus Evans.
The current Command Sergeant Major is Craig Bishop.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #18: Headquarters
The 75th is headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia.
75th Ranger Regiment Fact #19: New Battalion
The 75th Ranger Regiment has just added a new, 5th Battalion that will also be located at Ft Benning. That Battalion is the Ranger Military Intelligence Battalion and is designed to enhance Ranger performance in wartime situations.
Final Thoughts
Rangers do lead the way and will continue to do so.
It is an honor to write about these distinguished Army soldiers who volunteer to take on the role of a hero defending our country.
We would love to hear from current or past members of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Please tell us more. You can post all comments below.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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