Glendale "Bugler" - Special Forces

Today's Army Rangers trace their history back to 1670 when Captain Benjamin Church organized a company of troops, designated the "Rangers," that fought with distinction during King Philip's War with the frontier Indians. They were reorganized in 1756 by Major Robert Rogers, who recruited nine companies of American colonists to fight for the British during the French and Indian War. The Rangers were organized several more times, as well. In 1775, the Continental Congress authorized 10 companies of expert riflemen to be raised and equipped for the coming Revolution. They were identified as "The Corps of Rangers." During the War of 1812, Ranger units were deployed against the western frontier. In the Civil War, they defeated a larger force of Confederate Rangers. After the Civil War, Ranger units worked with the frontier Cavalry protecting settlers.

The modern Rangers didn't get their start till World War II when a need developed for an American commando unit. Thousands of volunteers answered the call, and the 1st Ranger Battalion was activated on June 19, 1942. The rest, they say, is history. Rangers have distinguished themselves in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East, Somalia, and now in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. So congratulations to the Army Rangers on their 50th Anniversary! Jobs well done!

The Ranger Creed

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high "esprit de corps" of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One-hundred-percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

Read more about the Rangers in Theaters of War: We Remember, a book of first-person stories from World War II. In the chapter on "Mountain Men," two veterans describe their experiences in the 1st Special Service Force, a joint American and Canadian unit, that inspired the book and movie titled "The Devil's Brigade." Theaters of War: We Remember was compiled and edited by Glendale's president, Wendy Lazar. All profits from book sales are being donated to the World War II Memorial Foundation.

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Page last updated: 1 Jan 03