3rd Ranger Battalion
The 3d Ranger Battalion was formed from cadre from the 1st Battalion and activated on 19 June 1943 in Morocco. The battalion was then attached to the Third Infantry Division to spearhead the invasion of Sicily. During World War II, the 3d Battalion fought in four major campaigns: Sicily, Italy, Anzio, and Cisterna. At Cisterna, the battalion was surrounded by a superior armored force and was reduced to only a few survivors. Subsequently, the battalion was officially deactivated on 15 August 1944.
Following Operation "Urgent Fury" by 1st and 2d Ranger Battalions in Grenada, the Department of the Army ordered the reactivation of the 3d Battalion. Rangers from all over the world were interviewed, selected, and moved to Fort Benning. Then, on 3 October 1984, at Fort Benning, the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John O. Marsh presented the colors and activated the 3d Ranger Battalion. This activation brought the combined Ranger Force to its highest level since World War II.
On 20 December 1989, the 3d Battalion was committed to Operation "Just Cause" in Panama. The battalion's successful airfield seizure of the Rio Hato Airfield, its participation with the 1st Battalion at Torrijos/Tocumen Airfield, and subsequent combat operations contributed significantly to the U.S. victory in Panama.
In August 1993, elements of the battalion were ordered to Mogadishu, Somalia to take part in United Nations peacekeeping efforts. On 3 October 1993, exactly nine years after reactivation, the battalion was involved in one of the most intense combat operations since the Vietnam War. The battalion was called to perform a raid against the outlaw warlord Mohammed Aideed. Although vastly outnumbered and surrounded, the Rangers fought off continuous attacks by fanatical Somalis. The members of the 3d Battalion stood firm in the face of withering fire for over fifteen hours. Although the mission was a success, the cost was high. Six Rangers paid the ultimate price and fifty-four others were wounded.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment was called into action again in Operation “Enduring Freedom”. Elements from 3rd Ranger Battalion conducted the battalion’s second combat parachute assault on a remote desert airfield in southern Afghanistan on October 19, 2001. The highly publicized operation was very successful, although two Rangers paid the ultimate price when their helicopter crashed in Pakistan. The 3rd Ranger Battalion’s quick response in America’s War on Terrorism once again proved that “Rangers Lead The Way!”
3rd Ranger Battalion Memorial
Planning for expansion of the existing memorial to accommodate the fallen Heroes of 3/75 is under way at a projected cost of approximately $200,000. Currently, the thoughtful sacrifice of donors has yielded $59,000 toward the construction of the new memorial. The Ranger Assistance Foundation is in need of more thoughtful donors to honor the fallen Rangers.
Currently engraved granite pavers are being sold to raise money for the memorial construction. The pavers will forever reside in the foundation below the memorial. Proceeds will go toward expanding the current memorial and maintaining the grounds. Construction will begin within six months; time of completion will be no later than December 2011.
Any and all assistance is appreciated.
Go to the Ranger Special Activities Fund web-page for more information.
Download the 3rd Ranger Battalion Memorial Paver Order Form
Information provided courtesy of the 3rd Ranger Battalion.
