Rangers Led the Way: WWII Army Rangers in Their Own Words

Rangers Led the Way is a collection of interviews from 20 Rangers who fought in Europe during WWII, including the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Ranger Battalions. The book also includes historical context so the actions described in the interviews can be understood as part of the larger war. Within a year after the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the US military understood the need for Special Forces and began training with the British Commandos to create the force that would become the famous US Rangers. Although US Ranger history emanates from before the Revolutionary War, Ranger training and missions substantially changed greatly during WWII, leading to a new generation of Rangers. Many never-before-seen maps and photographs are also included. AUTHORS: George Despotis, MD, is an associate professor of pathology, immunology and anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine, with a great interest in WWII history. Chris Ketcherside is a college professor of American history, and a retired US Marine. Chris Ketcherside is a college professor of American history, and a retired US Marine. George Despotis, MD, is an associate professor of pathology, immunology and anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine, with a great interest in WWII history. 180 b/w photographs