WWII Rangers meet for last time in Columbus?
The rumor is that the survivors of the cliff scaling at Pointe du Hoc, the disaster at Cisterna, and the liberation of POWs at Cabanatuan are holding their last reunion this week in Fort Benning, Georgia, the home of today’s modern Rangers. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer writes;
Frank E. South lends no credence to the rumor his beloved World War II Rangers will be meeting for the last time when they gather for their annual reunion this week in Columbus.
The former Army medic who served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion during World War II admitted that because of their rapidly dwindling ranks, Rangers from that era are beginning to discuss the possibility of a final gathering.
“But on the other hand, there are some of us who say, ‘OK, even if there are a couple of tables of four of us, we’ll sit around the table and drink and talk and be as we always are, old comrades.’ But, I think the prevailing feeling is that we’ll go on as long as we can.”
I remember meeting some of the original Rangers within the first few months after I joined the Army – listening to their stories and being able to share a few beers with them inspired me for the rest of my career. It’s a shame that there are so few left, but it’s a bigger shame they won’t be around to give inspiration to following generations. I wholeheartedly agree with the young Ranger quoted by WTVM;
At a previous reunion in Iowa, one young Ranger described the experience of meeting Rangers of an earlier war as “walking among giants”….
They’re the reason it’s well-known that “Rangers Lead The Way.”
Category: Military issues, Support the troops
Yeah, Baby!! Goosebumps!!
That’s pretty sad in a way. Just before seeing this post I got a call from my Honor Guard Commander at our Legion Post asking me to help out in our upcoming Post Everlasting. In the last couple of years I’ve had to present certificates to my wifes aunt for her uncle and to some childhood friends mother for their father, both WWII vets. Always a pretty somber day at the post…..
I attended the 40th. reunion of 3rd. bgd. 82nd. Airborne. The 82nd. had sent a very impressive color gaurd out to help us celebrate. Late one night one of the old guys went on and on about how great the young guys were doing in Iraq and Stan and thanked them for service etc…. This young trooper stood up shook his hand and said: “You Vietnam guys are our heros!” Made me cry.
Met a 17th Airborne Div Vet, the jump across the Rhine had more DZ casualties than Normandy. Their association has closed shop… Sob-sniff, SALUTE, AIRBORNE.
Actually, the 17th Airborne Association has folded into the 82d Association along with the Triple-Nickels.
The WWII generation is gone from my family. One great uncle killed in Alsace– another, who fought in the Pacific, died back in 2000. In many ways, they were giants. The loss to America– to the world– as these men fade away is immeasurable. God bless them.
This saddens me beyond words.
I spent yesterday evening at the Swamp Ranger School, 6th RTB, at Camp James E. Rudder. God Bless the Old Rangers, but todays guys are as good, and twice as equipped. Our “Florida Swamp Ranger Camp” Association, was the guests of the Rangers this month. Worked in their annual Family Halloween at the same time. Talk about walking among heroes. Damned near every one of the 6th RTB has had a deployment or two. More Right Shoulder Patches, (of the legitimate sort, Jesse McFake), than I have often seen in one place. God Bless the Troops.
I unveiled one of my latest designs “GOD made the RANGER so MARINES could have a HERO!”. Went over well.
“Learned all I need to know about Islam on 9/11!”
Frank,
you prob’ly saw me there. I’m down at Benning for a conference, right on Way Street, across from the HQs. More ‘been there’ patches around here than ticks on Yankee South.
Dutch:
I was at Camp James E. Rudder, here on Eglin AFB. Were you?
I saw several of us “ol’ Dudes”, some in the Gator Lounge, and others outside with the rest of the party.
Those “Follow Me Boys” guys git ‘er done, for sure.
I am so proud to be in an association that supports the Best of the Best.
“Learned all I need to know about Islam on 9/11!”
Holy crap. I just visited the National Infantry Museum, the new great big sum-b*tch as you are going in the main gate.
Frank, misread your post. I was at the Ranger Graduation yesterday at Ft. Benning, GA. Alot of WWII guys were there and at the museum today. Got to meet COL R W Black, amoung others.
Far across the Chattahoochee, to the Upatoi,
stands our loyal alma mater, Benning School for Boys.
Forward ever, backward never, faithfully we strive,
To the ports of embarkation, follow me with pride,
When it’s time and we are called to guard our country’s might,
We’ll be there WITH OUR HEADS HELD HIGH, in peacetime and in fight,
Yearning ever, failing never, to guard the memory,
The call is clear; we must meet the task [for] FREEDOM’S NEVER FREE!