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On March 18, 1944, men and animals from the 2nd Battalion cross the Tanai River on a bamboo bridge built by Kachin tribesmen, working with the Office of Strategic Services, near the village of Ning Awng. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo) DOD
Merrill’s Marauders officially Galahad Force or the 5307th Composite Unit (Provi- sional) existed for just one year, from September 1943 to August 1944. In that time, the unit and its men performed some of the most arduous missions asked of an infantry unit in World War II. Their accomplishments left a strong legacy that is visible in the Army of today, most notably as the foundation for the ethos of the 75th Ranger Regiment.Nicknamed “Merrill’s Marauders,” themission was to capture an airport. Some 800 miles through jungle and mountainous terrain and five major battles later, #Merrill‘sMaurauders captured the airport in May 1944 and the city of Myitkyina in August. Christopher L. Kolakowski Army.mil