The National Ranger Association

Brotherhood is not just a word, it's total dedication to each other, not just when it's convenient. Many people say it. Let's live it. Actions > words. #RLTW : @graypicturesllc, Best Ranger Competition 2001.

Father Albert Edward Basil was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for his dedication to duty and his contributions to the United States Army. Father Basil was born in Enfield, England in 1906 and was ordained a Priest in 1938 in Domodossola, Italy. He remained in Italy teaching until the outbreak of war in 1940. He returned to England where he spent a year as an assistant and joined the Army as a chaplain to the British Army. He was posted to the Army's Commando Tr...aining Center near Fort William, Scotland at the time of the arrival of the U.S. Army Rangers. Father Basil joined the Rangers and went to Africa, staying with the Rangers throughout the African Campaign. During a fierce engagement with the Italians, in which the Rangers were taking a considerable number of casualties, Father Basil, speaking Italian, courageously convinced the Italians to surrender. For this heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star. When the Rangers were returned to the U.S. command, the British Army ordered Father Basil back to Scotland and the Commando School. He completed his service with the British Commandos, serving in missions to Greece, the Balkans and, again, to Italy. His friendship with Rangers lasted through the years, and he was a guest at a number of reunions until he could no longer attend. Father Basil died on February 2, 1992, and will be missed by all who knew him. Father Basil's faith in God and devotion to the soldiers with whom he served are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Rangers. #RLTW #SayTheirNames

"Onward we stagger and if the tanks come, then God help the tanks." That quote is derived from the commander of the 1st Rangers Battalion, Brigadier General William O. Darby. The photo is of him atop his 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle, which he rode while serving overseas. #RLTW

This is Private First Class Norman Janis. Private First Class Norman Janis was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for his extraordinary feats of courage and actions as a member of Merrill's Marauders during World War II. Assigned to the 3d Battalion, I and R Platoon, Private First Class Janis participated on patrol deep into the jungle-clad spurs of the Himalayan Mountains in deep enemy-infested Burma. Early in the Far Eastern Japanese campaign, Private Janis won t...he admiration and respect of all members of the platoon for his expertise as a scout and platoon sharpshooter. Private Janis demonstrated his sharpshooting skills by detecting enemy snipers. An example of this skill was demonstrated when the platoon was fighting from Hsam-Shingyang to Nhpum to relieve the 2nd Battalion. The I and R platoon leader and combat team commander were standing in a small clearing studying a map when an enemy sniper, located in a tree, fired a single shot. Private Janis observed a slight movement in the vines not obvious to anyone and at a range of about 300 yards dropped the sniper in one shot. Later examination proved it to be a heart shot. Private Janis was awarded the Sioux Tribal Red Feather, equivalent of a Medal of Honor. This is the highest award bestowed by the Sioux Nation for exceptional valor in combat. In his unassuming, quiet manner Private Janis preferred to work alone and identified himself as a ferocious Ranger. Norman Janis is the Tribal Chief of the Sioux and lives on the Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota. #RLTW #SayTheirNames

"In 2016, I was standing in the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning and reading all the stories of these men that accomplished so much at such a young age. These men used literally every ounce of their human body and spirit to save the lives of their brothers and fought for their loved ones back home. They are giants of men and I still can't believe that I get to share their stories as part of my daily job. Anyways, back to a memory from 2016, I was reading about the 2011 RH...oF inductees and in walks Gary E. Dolan. As I am reading this story about a young Vietnam Ranger, Gary comes up to me and asks if I know the man I am reading about. I tell him, "no, I haven't met him yet," and he replies, "now, you have." I compose myself as much as I can after just having read his story on the wall and he then proceeds to tell me the entire story of his time in Vietnam that got him inducted. In awe of his resilience and how humble Gary is, it's one of those special memories that I'll never forget. This year, we had one of the best 'recycle' details that I've ever had the opportunity to work with over the years. Working the BRC detail doesn't have a great reputation by any means, but these guys worked HARD, without complaint, and independently came up with some great workarounds to some dilemmas we were facing behind the scenes. So, I wanted to spoil them with some inspiration from one of our Ranger Hall of Famer's who was in attendance this year, my friend, Lt. Col. (R) Gary Dolan. Not only did he tell them his whole story from Vietnam, but he was also able to give them a few words on making it through Ranger school. Following the convo, most of these guys couldn't believe that they just got the chance to meet a Vietnam (LRRP) Ranger. So cool and special. I seriously wish everyone in my circle could experience the Best Ranger Competition week with this community." (Shared from Alyssa S.) #behindthescenes #BestRangerCompetition

This is Master Sergeant Joe C. Alderman. Master Sergeant Joe C. Alderman was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for superior service to our nation. He entered the U.S. Army in June 1958, serving as a scout in the first Airborne Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Team in Germany. Master Sergeant Alderman joined the Special Forces in 1962. He completed engineer training and deployed to Okinawa to serve in the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). Master Sergeant Alderma...n's combat experiences included serving in Vietnam for ten consecutive years from 1963-1972 as a member of Special Forces detachments. He volunteered for Project Delta and MACV SOG as a reconnaissance team leader and advisor. In 1966, he helped establish MACV Recondo School and served as an instructor. Master Sergeant Alderman was selected as the original cadre for the 1st Ranger Battalion in January 1974 and served in various leadership and staff positions until August 1976. He then served in Germany in the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) until 1979. He was selected by the Ranger Department to be the first noncommissioned officer guest speaker in 1980. Master Sergeant Alderman retired from the Army in November 1980 after serving as the First Sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Master Sergeant Alderman's distinguished career is an inspiration to all with whom he served. He truly exemplifies the motto "Rangers Lead the Way". #RLTW #SayTheirNames

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ralph Puckett sat down with the Ledger-Enquirer in 2014 for the Sunday Interview. Puckett said the values he learned as an Army Ranger has continued with him, even in retirement. Puckett will receive the nation’s highest award for valor in combat more than seven decades after leading his soldiers through a bloody battle on a Korean hill. #RLTW

James Wilmer White, born July 2 1923, in Amma, Roane County, W.Va., to Dr. of Veterinary Medicine Edward and wife, Lillie Florence (Short) White. Wilmer's family moved from West Virginia to Ohio by covered wagon in July of 1923 when he was still just a newborn baby. They crossed the river on solid ice, according to Aunt Marie Johnson, in Pomeroy. He attended school at Pomeroy and Chester schools. The family moved around to several different places in Meigs County. They lived ...Continue reading

Last year, CSM (R) Patrick Tadina, Vietnam War's longest continuously serving Ranger, passed away at the age of 77. He was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1995. This is an excellent write-up about the man that he was and the legacy he left behind for all Rangers. #RLTW

"You set the standard for the Army. You set the standard for the Rangers! You have set the standard for all of us. I appreciate all that you are doing by the country and by the Army. I am proud of you. Be proud of yourselves. God Bless you. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!" as quoted by the living Ranger legend himself, COL (R) Ralph Puckett, to our 2021 Best Ranger competitors on April 16, 2021 #RLTW

This is Sergeant Major Hubert H. Frost. Sergeant Major Frost was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for his outstanding service as a Ranger in airborne and infantry assignments. During his service in Korea, then First Sergeant Frost deployed with the 187th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) to Korea and led his unit in the combat jump into the Sukchon area in October 1950. When the Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 1 87th RCT came under attack from a superior force, First Serg...eant Frost rallied all Headquarters personnel and fought along with Lieutenant William Gore for over six hours to defeat a North Korean battalion. Because of his demonstrated courage and tactical acumen, First Sergeant Frost was selected by Lieutenant Gore to accompany him and a handpicked force of South Korean raiders (Task Force Red Wing) to be amphibiously inserted behind North Korean lines to raid, ambush, and gather intelligence. His tactical advice, resupply coordination, and courageous presence during long range reconnaissance patrols and agent insertions contributed largely to the success of this mission. Both Lieutenant Gore and First Sergeant Frost were known by name, rank, and service number to the North Koreans and were pursued but never captured as they raided and gathered intelligence behind enemy lines. After several months, newly promoted Captain Gore was stricken with polio. First Sergeant Frost rowed out into the Yellow Sea in a rubber boat until he flagged down a British destroyer to get medical assistance for his crippled friend. When the British diagnosis revealed that Captain Gore required immediate evacuation, First Sergeant Frost successfully coordinated and controlled an aerial medical evacuation by a small fixed-wing aircraft. First Sergeant Frost remained behind as the lone American with this reconnaissance force. Throughout his entire career, this Ranger has always "Led the Way" by his physical presence and personal example. #rltw #saytheirnames

"The Ranger mystique is at its best here at Fort Benning.... 20 years from now, I'm not going to be around here, but you will be. And if you are in the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade, you better be turning out Rangers even a lot better than the ones that I saw turned out or the ones like you. I want you to be better! Always. Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best. Right? That should be it. They grin at you, but we're serious about and they know I am serious about it too," said Lt. Gen. David Grange, Jr. talking to Fort Benning, Ga., about the 2012 Best Ranger Competition and his involvement in the history of the competition. #RLTW

This is Command Sergeant Major Larry A. Fletcher. Command Sergeant Major Larry A. Fletcher was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions to the United States Army as a courageous and highly decorated Ranger for over 26 years. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. Staff Sergeant Fletcher distinguished himse...lf by exceptionally valorous actions on September 29, 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an airborne infantry company on a search and destroy mission near Chu Lai. His fearless actions resulted in the destruction of nine bunkers and the elimination of eighteen enemy soldiers. Command Sergeant Major Fletcher served with units that have set the standards for the current day Ranger and Special Forces units. His service with Company N (Ranger), 75th Infantry as a platoon sergeant, and as a Ranger Instructor, and First Sergeant in the 1st Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry provided an outstanding example to the officers and enlisted personnel as he was able to pass on the Ranger skills that he had learned through combat. As many have said of his service to our great country, "Command Sergeant Major Fletcher is a true American, patriot and extraordinary Ranger." #rltw #saytheirnames

There is only one way to exceed in anything, and that is to give it everything. - Vince Lombardi #RLTW : Sgt. 1st Class Adam Nash, 75th Ranger Regiment, crawls through a mud-filled pit under barbed wire during the first day of the 2007 Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Best Ranger Competition. Nash, a native of Hyannis, Mass., who won the competition in 2004, was partnered with Sgt. 1st Class Billy Pouliot.

This is Captain Warren Evans. Captain Warren Evans was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for his extraordinary feats of courage while serving as Platoon Leader during the Djebel Berda Battle of WWII. Ranger Evans led the platoon reconnaissance over the mountain crest, identifying enemy positions and infiltration routes. This action directly resulted in hundreds of enemy POWs being captured. After conducting many hazardous night raids in rugged terrain over eight m...onths throughout North Africa, Ranger Evans' courage and performance as First Sergeant, Sergeant Major, and Platoon Leader merited his selection as company commander when the 3d Ranger Battalion was formed. As Commander of Company F, 3d Ranger Battalion, Ranger Evans earned the Silver Star during the San Pietro Island Raid. Moving over rugged terrain, the company infiltrated and completely surprised the Germans with a ferocious attack under the cover of rain and darkness. During the infamous battle of Cisterna off the Anzio Beachhead in Italy, Ranger Evans maneuvered his company to the sound of battle and attacked into a numerically superior armed German force. Ranger Evans was taken prisoner, but his heroics would continue even after his captivity. After two failed attempts, Ranger Evans successfully escaped and returned to American lines near Leipzig, Germany. In October 1992, Captain Evans was selected as Honorary Sergeant Major of the 75th Ranger Regiment for extraordinary service during combat. #rltw #saytheirnames

77 years ago today, 225 men from the 2nd Ranger Bn loaded ships and landing craft to storm the beaches of Normandy today, and take 'the high ground' at Point Du Hoc. If they failed, it was believed that all of D-Day would have failed. Point Du Hoc was (and is) the only site from where German artillery fire could cover the whole beach. A few hours ago, they would have been climbing 100ft cliffs, on ropes secured by rifle and small rocket propelled grappling hooks and ladders (...on loan from the London Fire Brigade) under downward heavy fire and grenades. In the first 'special operation' of the D-Day landings. If they were lucky enough to make it across the beach to the cliffs (Note: under withering machine gun and mortar fire), they would fire off the grappling hooks and up they went. Two Rangers would climb, stop every 10-15ft, and provide covering fire straight up as two more climbed up behind them to take their position. And the whole thing would start over. Successive bounding on ropes going straight up a cliff while Germans are shooting straight down at you from above (as well as from the flanks).....think about it. Of course, once they scaled to the top of the cliffs, the guns that were supposed to be on site had been moved inland approximately 1 mile, a measure implemented by the Germans to protect the guns from sabotage, so the Rangers had to push through bunkers and endless lines of enemy troops to get to the gun emplacements and set the charges. So not only did they have to scale a cliff under fire and then ensure a foothold at the top, the men of 2nd Ranger Battalion also had to battle through German fortifications, mazes of trench systems and through hedgerows, in order to complete their mission, silencing the guns, and securing victory that day. Out of 255 from the 2nd Bn, only 90 survived. That doesn't even count the wounded. But they "displayed the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though they be the lone survivor. Balls that clanked. These men truly 'Lead the Way'. Rest easy, my WWII brothers. #RLTW! -Michael Kirk #dday

Gallantly will I show the world... #RLTW : @charliehutchcraft

Rangers Lead the Way!

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.

This is Sergeant Ormand B. Crabtree. Sergeant Ormand B. Crabtree was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions to the United States Army as a courageous and highly decorated Ranger. When Ormand B. Crabtree entered the Army, he displayed strong characteristics of a leader and was sent to the Noncommissioned Officers School immediately after Advanced Individual Training. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, where he immediately volunteered for... service with Company I (Ranger), 75th Infantry. He became a team leader of a Ranger team, conducting operations deep within enemy-occupied territory. For his extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, Sergeant Crabtree distinguished himself on May 11 and 12, 1969 as the leader of a six-man reconnaissance team that was inserted near a rubber plantation at Quang Loi, the site of Viet Cong activities. Sergeant Crabtree's team linked up with another six-man team in a night position. As the darkness and drizzle closed in, the team saw nearly thirty flashlights moving outside their perimeter. Closer and closer the enemy moved as Sergeant Crabtree desperately attempted to establish communications. Finally, with a weak signal, he called in artillery and helicopter gunships. An increasing downpour of rain forced the gunships away and the team was left to its own defense. The following morning Sergeant Crabtree organized an ambush on ten enemy soldiers. When six escaped the killing blast and retaliated with a barrage of fire, Sergeant Crabtree led a flanking movement. From a concealed hostile emplacement erupted a fusillade that pinned him down before his maneuver was accomplished. Crawling to the enemy position, he destroyed it with grenades, allowing his team to charge the six enemies who broke and ran. When the team again encountered hostile fire from fortifications, Sergeant Crabtree deployed his men effectively and again crawled up to a machine gun position to knock it out with grenades. Sergeant Crabtree's leadership and personal heroics earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Bronze Star. Sergeant Crabtree is an example of a Ranger's fortitude and determination and embodies the Ranger creed, "Recognizing that I am a more elite soldier..." #rltw #SayTheirNames

This is Lieutenant Robert Edlin. Robert T. Edlin joined the Indiana National Guard in 1939 and was assigned to B Company, 152d Infantry, 38th Division. In April, 1941, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and made a Platoon Leader, and his unit participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers. In 1942, he entered Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, where he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in September of 1942, and assigned to Company K, 112th Infantry, 28th Infantry Division, a...t Camp Livingston, Louisiana. In May of 1943, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and given further training at Camp Carrabelle, Florida, where he became an expert on the Browning Automatic Weapon (BAR), light machine gun, and the M-1 rifle. Later he was assigned as the Division Bayonet Instructor at Camp Pickett, Virginia. In November of 1943, Lieutenant Edlin was shipped to England with the 28th Infantry Division where he attended a British Commando and Battle School. In December of 1943, he volunteered for the Rangers and received Ranger Training at Braunton, England, and was assigned as a Platoon Leader, Company A, 2d Ranger Battalion at Bude, Cornewall, England. On June 6, 1944D-Day, Lieutenant Edlin led his platoon across Omaha Beach and received two wounds in his leg, incapacitating him. The following day, he was evacuated to the 97th General Hospital, in England, where he remained until rejoining his platoon at St. Jean de Daye, France, on July 15, 1944. It was during the Brest Campaign on September 9, 1944, that Lieutenant Edlin led one of the most amazing assaults of the war by sneaking a small patrol into the most powerful fortress on the Brest Peninsula. At great personal risk, he forced a captured officer at gunpoint to lead him to the fortress commandant whom he threatened with a live grenade to surrender the fortress; this ultimately resulted in the capture of over 800 German soldiers and caused a cascading of surrenders throughout the area. For this action he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. In November of 1944, while leading a patrol in the Hurtgent Forest, a mine exploded wounding Lieutenant Edlin in the hand and face. Subsequently he was granted leave, and returned to the 2d Ranger Battalion and participated in the fighting across Germany. Lieutenant Edlin eventually returned home and married his High School sweetheart on December 7,1945. He was released from active duty in March of 1946. In 1948 Mr. Edlin joined the Indiana National Guard as a Captain of the 152d Infantry Regiment in Company K. He resigned his commission in 1954. His valiant service brings great credit upon himself and the United Stated Army and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1995. #RLTW #SayTheirNames #greatestgeneration

It has been a vital part of our mission to honor the lives of the Rangers that gallantly led the way and we present to you an opportunity to do just that. The WWII Foundation is seeking donations for this historic and worthy cause: A Merrill's Marauders documentary. There are only seven of the original Merrill's still with us and the foundation is trying to complete this project before more pass. We stand on the shoulders of these giants of men, so bring them "flowers" while ...they're still living. Please disseminate to any and all, including corporate donors, that you feel would like to contribute. Anything helps. www.wwiifoundation.org RLTW!

Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done. #RLTW : @ssgzoehrer

This is Major Gerald M. Deviin. Major Gerald M. Devlin was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1995 for his contribution to the United States Army as a senior advisor to the South Vietnamese Biet Dong Quan, or Rangers. Devlin accompanied the 44th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion on numerous combat missions in the Mekong Delta. By late 1965 the 44th was one of the most successful South Vietnamese fighting units, due in large part to Devlin's leadership by example, his tactical... advice, and his fire support coordination skills. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, and multiple awards of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, earned during combat assaults with the 44th. During his last action as a Ranger advisor, the 44th was counterattacked at night by a brigade strength Viet Cong unit. The battalion commander was killed and Devlin was severely wounded. When the 44th began to give way Devlin took command. Unable to walk and working in darkness with Rangers who understood only the Vietnamese language, he used a radio and crawled from position to position directing fire, adjusting fighting positions, directing aviation fire support, securing helicopter evacuation for wounded Rangers, and assuring the Rangers that they could hold. The 44th held and before dawn, the Viet Cong withdrew. Devlin's example of Ranger leadership during his tour as a Ranger Advisor with the 44th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion reflects great credit on himself and all Rangers, past, and present. #RLTW #saytheirnames