Lead the Way, Rangers

Lt. Col. Richard P. Sullivan, commanding officer of the 5th Ranger Bn., gave Tec 4 Henry S. Glassman the project of composing a history of the 5th Ranger Bn. in WWII. This was to be done using the After Action reports written up and forwarded to the army command after each Ranger mission. It was to be entirely authentic, so that the surviving Rangers and their families could have a record to refer to in later years. It would also be sent to the families of Rangers killed in action and to former Rangers who were no longer in the outfit due to having been wounded in combat. A board of officers was appointed to review each chapter as it was completed and pass or reject it. All chapters were approved without changes.

Many years later, because of constant requests for copies of the book by former Rangers and others, Lt. Col. Ronald Lane requested permission to reprint the book, which was given. The result is this edition. "Lead the Way, Rangers!" Those words, spoken by General Norman Cota on D Day, 6 June 1944, became the rallying cry of the men of the 5th Ranger Battalion. They charged across Omaha Beach that day, leading the Allies toward a victory which would otherwise have been certain defeat. The Rangers suffered many casualties, but they always would accomplish their mission - through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and finally, Germany. As the news of the war's end reached the Rangers, they were located in Austria. There, Tec 4 Henry S. Glassman of Headquarters Company compiled a unit history which was locally printed and distributed to the handful of Rangers remaining. The history tells the story of the Rangers from their creation at Camp Forrest, Tennessee in 1943 to the 6th of June, 1945 while the battalion waits for new orders in Reid, Austria. (Is it home, or on to Japan?). The book includes unit citations, commendations and a complete roster of men who served in the battalion. The men of the 5th Ranger Battalion exemplified pride, self-confidence, resourcefulness, and determination which has come to be known as the "Ranger Spirit." These traits, coupled with their individual abilities to lead and succeed regardless of the obstacles of weather, terrain, fatigue, or the enemy, made them truly combat men. We at Ranger Associates feel that the spirit and traditions of the American Ranger should live on. We have therefore decided to reprint this rare document, the unit history of the 5th Ranger Battalion, in a limited quantity. We do so in proud remembrance of their achievements and in humble tribute to their sacrifices. We reverently dedicate this reprint to all the Rangers of World War II who earned in victory their places in history among the first ranks of courageous American soldiers.