Picture & Info Request [Archive]

NcDeuce

04-15-2004, 09:07 PM

The 75th is an elite, light-mobile force. Just read up on Eagle Claw, Urgent Fury, Just Cause, Desert Storm, Gothic Serpent, etc.

Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan
In response to the September 11th terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon, President George Bush launched Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Its mission: seek out and destroy Osama Bin Laden and his Al Qaeda network of terrorists and remove the Taliban from power in Afghanistan. Along with other US Special Forces troops, the Rangers led the way in assisting the Northern Alliance forces, a group dedicated to defeating the Taliban. The Operation began on October 7th and the Rangers went into action on October 19th.

At about 11:00 pm, more than 100 Rangers parachuted into a small command and control compound outside Khandahar and a small airfield in Southern Afghanistan. During the raids the Rangers destroyed several weapons caches and gathered intelligence.

While the raids were in progress, two Rangers, Spc. Jonn J. Edmunds, 20, of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Pfc. Kristofor T. Stonesifer, 28, of Missoula, Montana were killed when their Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Pakistan. They were on standby for possible search and rescue missions.

During December and January, Rangers searched cave complexes where Al Qaeda forces were reported to have been hiding. US forces captured and destroyed large amounts of equipment and obtained vital intelligence regarding terrorist training and activities.

In May 2002, US Special Forces troops from the Navy SEALs, USAF CCTs, and Amry Rangers were battling Taliban forces atop a mountain called Takur Ghar. An MH-47E helicopter was airlifting SEALs and an Air Force combat controller to the mountaintop. As it neared landing, it took intense enemy fire, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the aircraft and machine-gun fire severed hydraulic and oil lines aboard it. The pilot immediately applied power to get out of the area. Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts, a Navy SEAL, slipped on the fluid and fell 5 to 10 feet onto the snow below the aircraft.

The helicopter managed to fly a short distance before the pilot was forced to make a crash landing. Another MH-47E picked up the SEALs and Combat Controller – and went in to save Roberts. The helicopter took fire but was able to deliver the team. The SEALs and CC approached the last known area of Roberts, but were fired upon. As they maneuvered, they engaged the al Qaeda fighters and killed several. Air Force TSgt. John Chapman was killed and some of the SEALs were wounded. The SEALs decided to disengage. An Air Force AC-130 gun ship provided covering fire as the SEALs moved down the mountain and requested immediate assistance.

The mission fell to the U.S. Army Ranger Quick Reaction Force based in Gardez. The 23-man team loaded onto two MH- 47E helicopters and headed to the area. Communications breakdowns, however, caused the Rangers to believe the SEALs were still atop the mountain, and that is where one helicopter went. As the chopper came in, al Qaeda fighters shot it down with RPGs and heavy machine-gun fire. Door gunner Army Sgt. Phil Svitak was killed and both pilots wounded. The MH-47E crashed and all aboard struggled to get out. Sgt. Brad Crose and Cpl. Matt Commons survived the initial fire, but were killed as they exited the aircraft. Spc. Marc Anderson was hit and killed while still in the chopper.

Even with the confusion, the Rangers, the Chinook crewmen and Air Force combat controllers moved to attack the enemy. Once it became apparent that the al Qaeda force on the mountain was too numerous, the group called in close-air support. The combat controllers called in 500-pound bombs within 50 meters of the special operators position. In the meantime, the other helicopter with the rest of the Quick Reaction Force landed at another location. The Rangers climbed the 2,000 feet up the mountain to the original position and converged with their comrades at the scene around 10:30 a.m. The linked teams then assaulted the al Qaeda positions. As the Air Force Combat Controller called in a last air strike on the enemy bunkers and with two machine-guns providing suppression fire, seven Rangers stormed the hill as quickly as they could in the knee-deep snow – shooting and throwing grenades. Within minutes, the Rangers took the hill, killing multiple al Qaeda. The Rangers and airmen consolidated their position. But al Qaeda on another ridgeline about 400 meters away fired on the team's makeshift aid station . Air Force Pararescueman Senior Airman Jason Cunnigham was hit and eventually died from his wounds.

The group stayed on the top of Takur Ghar until nightfall as commanders decided the area was too hot for another daylight rescue attempt. Seven Americans died in the battle, and 11 were wounded.

Rangers Lead the Way
The Rangers of the United States Army continue to remain ready to answer their nation's call to respond to aggression anywhere in the world. They continue to train in long range patrolling and surveillance and are prepared to close with and destroy any enemy upholding the traditions of the Rangers as expressed in the Ranger creed.

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 my Ranger Regiment.

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 farther, 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.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!