The True story of the LRRP, LRP, RGR & BDQ in Vietnam

[Brasso]

Sep 27, 2009

Brothers, I have been watching a lot of different sites and talking with several other guys that continue to argue or debate, what is or was authorized for the LRRP, LRP & RGR units in the Nam. So I started to do some researching and decided to try and put it all in order…..not easy…we are all very stubborn…...

But that’s not unusual since we do have a way of going on & on (me included)……………….
Now I say this because you are my brothers, since I have seen this on different sites and also in the streets I feel that because we have a special section for the LRS guys, maybe if I lay it out playing the devil’s advocate at times, it may begin to sink in….the purpose is 2 fold….1. You may learn a lot more than you think and 2. It will make you a hell of a lot smarter when dealing with a person you believe may be a POSER, because you will know MOST of the story which can only help when you’re in a situation and you really do not know what or how to ask a couple simple questions which if you do not get the right answers….YOU GOT HIM!!

I’ve been involved with the History of the LRRP, LRP, RGR & SF for almost 30 years. I was the original first Historian for E/20/LRP & C/75/RGR, IFFV and a co founder, member # 003. I had some of the best mentors you could find in the Spec Ops community, Dan Pope, founder of our unit and my old friend and Ranger Brother Roy Boatman (RIP) who served with the 173^rd LRRP, 74^th Inf Det (LRP) and N/75/RGR and was one of only 2 amputees allowed to stay in the Army during Vietnam. Roy passed away a few years ago and was indoctrinated into the RHOF, the next year, that being the 3^rd time he was nominated.

He was a hell of a Warrior and one of the top Historians in the Spec Ops community, and he was my taxman for 20 years, he was also instrumental in assisting me when I was the project officer and built the packet requesting that the RANGER TAB, be a retro-active award for the LRRP, LRP, RGR and BDQ in Vietnam.

AGAIN we can all learn from this… if you think I’m wrong, find some regulation to prove it. When it comes to wearing patches on Biker Vest, I can guarantee you I know what it’s like to see men wearing some silly shit. You cannot condemn someone or question if there a poser IF you are wearing your own (UNAUTHORIZED) made up unit Logo, because that’s the way you like it. That does not mean you cannot wear your scrolls, etc, but if you have what we call a “Unit Logo” with 2 or 3 scrolls on it, then wear it the way it’s supposed to be worn or wear an individual scroll, or somebody may be asking you some questions….think about that…..
.
There were units that authorized any Tabs, Scrolls or badges that many of us believe we were allowed to and at the time there was no unit authorized to give the MACV Recondo Patch to anyone who did not complete the training, although I’ve heard it was done, along with the 101^st Recondo, but that was the 101st call when in Vietnam

Oh this was done but IF the 101^st Recondo School was in FT Campbell, KY and MACV was in Nha Trang and the leaders didn’t really give a dam since it was carte blanche for all units to issue stuff that would/could be worn while in Vietnam. I do not CARE if you wore your Ranger Scroll on your right arm till you retired from the AR, NG or AD, it was not authorized, but a few managed to do it because of the unit and situation they were in. JP & I served in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s and the only authorized combat patch for E/20/LRP & C/75/RGR was the First Field Force Vietnam (IFFV) patch with a Blue and White Airborne Tab on top of it. However we stood out like a sore thumb since all the other units had to wear their parent unit’s patch, 101^st, 173^rd, 25^th ID, etc, but there were no airborne units in the IFFV except us, so it wasn’t long before guys would come up to you and say: “ Hay were you with “CHARLIE RANGERS”? I would say no I was with Echo, 20, LRPS that became CR’s, which IMO and from my experiences in the Army, “CHARLIE RANGERS”, had a very high reputation, especially when they activated the 1^st Ranger Battalion and they were assigned our lineage in 1974….our unit became very well known. To justify this, all of you MUST have read, Shelby Stanton’s book “RANGERS AT WAR”…..Combat Recon In Vietnam which is one of the most detailed books about every unit were talking about that served in Vietnam. And there’s a chapter for every unit and on the last page of each unit’s chapter, he give an overall assessment of the unit….read page 227! If you have not read the book…drop down and beat your face on the ground…It should be a mandatory read for anyone who goes to any LRS, Recon, etc type unit….excellent book/ published by Orion copyright 1992.



And you’re in for a rude awakening since we were never ordered by the DOD to become the 75^th Infantry (Rangers), it was all Uncle Westy’s ego since he was the Godfather of the Recondo and he just kept changing from LRRP to LRP and then finally , even though we had LRP Detachments because they were in Brigades so they could not be Companies….ON FEB 1, 1969, ALL LRP Units became lettered RANGER Companies and were reactivated from the Merrill’s Marauders through the Army’s Regimental CARS system and a new generation of Rangers were born. THE VIETNAM ERA RANGERS regardless if you had 75 or 175 men NOW we were all Companies. Westy had the power to authorize all the men who served in a LRRP, LRP, RGR or BDQ unit the “RANGER TAB”, for their wartime service, just like the SF awarded their men for their wartime service and the WW II Rangers and Merrill’s Marauder’s were also given the Tab for their wartime service……HE SOLD US OUT…and we did not know it till we came home wearing scrolls and were told to Take that shit off, it is not authorized, it was just a PAPER DRILL that Westy did to boost his ego and reputation as the founder of the Recondo School in FT Campbell!

I do not go by hearsay I go by FACTS, I do not care if you agree or disagree, I do not care if you say the dates are wrong in the next post, but I’m not calling you a liar since you were there and the dates you say are probably true, however, since most of my information comes from the DOA, The National Archives and Records Administration and the Institute of Heraldry whose sole responsibility is to design and or approve every Tab, Crest, Insignia, Patch and Badge worn in the U.S. Army, this is what is written in the History and the Regulations and how it is at times not in synch with what we experienced, does not mean a thing since right or wrong….their right and were wrong….we all know the Army’s system and I could spend a day writing about some of the BS laid down upon these specific units that would make your toes curl and your head spin..It’s all a matter of attrition, which means we were, have been and always will be expendable items!


The 75^th Ranger Regiment Association DID NOT DO THE packet, requesting all the above units be given the Tab for their wartime service back in 1994. I did it when I worked in DSCPER, USASOC in 1993, after then COL Grange (75^th Regt CDR) requested that the Vietnam era units listed above be recognized for their wartime service.

However, I got the request given to me since I worked in the Plans Div by the SGM because I was the only man around who had actually served in one of those units. The problem was I got the request at the end of May 1993 and COL Grange did a Change Of Command in Jul or Aug 1993 leaving me still researching and fighting with the Institute of Heraldry and a half of dozen more official Departments, while Roy and I would be steadily developing a strong packet to present to the USASOC CDR, GEN Scott and the former CDR who was then the USSOCOM CDR, GEN Downing, who I knew from before he went to USSOCOM.
Bottom line was I was sent to the Regt HQ’s in Dec 93 after the DRAFT for the Request was APPROVED BY the USASOC & USSOCOM CDRS. It took us almost 9 months to develop a strong packet since we (75^th Regt) was requesting to change the Army Regulation and believe me we had it NAILED.

I was sent to the Regt to draw up a generic format to be used by every unit so they would submit their History for all the LRRP, LRP, RGR & BDQ units, so it could be entered into the Regiments History, SINCE we can be part of its History, but NOT it’s Lineage unless a Ranger Bn had been assigned one of our Units Lineage,….the 1^st Ranger Bn was assigned the Lineage of C Company (Ranger) 75^th Inf (A), IFFV, the 2^nd Ranger Bn was assigned the lineage of H Company (Ranger) 75^th Inf (A), 1^st Calvary Division, the 3^rd Ranger Bn was assigned the lineage of F Company (Ranger) 75^th Inf (A), 25^th Infantry Division.

When I returned from there in mid-Dec 1993, I was notified that I had been selected for a 1SG position and was reassigned on Jan 5, 1994. About a month later I was called by USASOC and told I was to meet with the 75^th Ranger Regt Cdr COL Jackson and a rep from the Plans Div where we built the packet. *that rep was an SF MAJ who I had known (and been riding with for about 8 months) of course we acted as if we never met since he was just a rep from the plans division. We all met in the USASOC CDR’s briefing room the next day. The packet had went to the Regiment and all they had to do was attach a cover letter and send it up the COC (WHO) had already seen it and approved it.

Well we did our little intros and I’m sitting facing the 75^th Ranger Regt Cdr who, IMO had been nowhere and done nothing, wearing an EIB and no Combat patch! The SF MAJ took notes and for the next hour that COL drilled me like I was a suspected espionage agent and he was trying every trick in the book to intimidate, confuse and generally make me look like I had no idea in hell what I was trying to do when I made that packet which was requested by the S-5 from the 75^th Ranger Regiment. Well, as the SF MAJ told me (and his boss) later, Dam, Joey stood fast and not only answered every dam question that COL had asked, but he also had to explain some of the questions he asked the dam COL and he had no idea what the hell Joey was talking about, however it was done very tactfully…..but I would say it was a tightrope walk for a while since the dam COL would not stop. The final outcome was…..1SG, I appreciate all your hard work and dedication, HOWEVER I DID NOT REQUEST THIS, therefore I recommend it be turned over to the 75^th Ranger Regiment Association (the parent unit for all LRRP,LRP,RGR, BDQ and some LRS from Vietnam till the present) and let them handle it.

Of course he was not going to sign it since COL Grange would have been the one who got all the credit for sending the initial request….THAT IS WHEN I GAVE IT TO Roy Boatman with all the Paper work since he was the Secretary for the 75^th RRA. From there within a few months they had formed all these committees of Retired GEN’s and CSM’s to fight for the tab, plus many laid claimed to being the author of the document on several occasions, this was summer 1994.

So I told Roy, dam there they go with the dam committees, Roy there is only one way to fight the 75^th Ranger Regiment and Infantry hall, “How’s that Joey?”….Take it to the Congress, if 200-300 members put in a blanket request using that packet to their C-Man, somebody’s going to have to get WAKE UP & SMELL the Coffee, you have every document from COL Grange’s original request to the last Draft and THE ONLY person authorized to submit for a change in records or an award IAW AR 600-8-22 is a Congressman who believes he has substantial evidence to do so…if not the 75RRA…will fail….Roy asked me to be the guest speaker at the Reunion and I said hell no you’re the Secretary and I have a perfect attendance record that I do not plan on breaking at this point and he laughed since I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO a Ranger Rendezvous or reunion, mostly due to circumstances beyond my control for the first 15 years or so, since then I have no desire to muddle in some of the political BS.

So the Ranger Tab faded away. NOW , the next post will be the requirements for the SF Tab taken from AR 600-8-22 dated 11 December 2006 Personnel-General Military Awards…..NOTE; the time frames indicated, since they took it back to the days of the OSS, etc and right into Vietnam. Also note the requirements which were; awarded the CIB or CMB and served 120 consecutive days. Of course if you already had a CIB or CMB, it would be counted.

Then the prerequisites for the RANGER TAB: Note the mention of the WW II & Merrill’s Marauder’s.
Some may have been given the Tab that were already in Korea, however 17 Ranger Companies were formed and they all went to Ranger School, although not all of them were deployed to Korea.

Then below that will be the outline of the packet we made back in 93, now some of the things would not show up in the final change of the AR, like Justification, Definitions, etc, however, I let it all ride so you would see the complete packet. NOW the time frame for the SF was 120 consecutive days.

The COL really got into our requirement which was 30 consecutive days and the CIB or CMB, unless you had already been awarded it. I told the COL that in the late 60’s the SF course was between 42 – 52 weeks long. Now if the SF only required 1/3 the time of the school, we decided that since Ranger School was 8 weeks we would require half that time, which was enough time for a guy to go to pre-training and go out on at least one or two missions, IF the TEAM felt he should got out after one mission or IF he wanted to go out again.

I seen Shake & Bake SGT E-5’s that went to basic, Infantry AIT, a couple week leadership course, then to Ranger School were upon successful completion were made at least SGT E-5’s then sent to the Nam and some of them were sent to LRP or RGR units and they QUIT after one mission and went to a line company, because Ranger School was still in the cold war mode and were not teaching much LRP/RGR Vietnam tactics and Ranger School is more geared to platoon ops. TO BE CONTINUED………….

[JP43]

Damn Brasso, you're just getting to the good part. Folks, I personally agree with everything Joey says as I have worked on a couple of projects with him and believe me, BRASSO is the correct name for him. Everything, I mean everything that he says has been researched thoroughly before he prints it.

[SOWT]

Good info, where you do your 1st Sgt time at? BTW- I probably kicked your ass out of a MH-60 or CASA during a USASOC jump.

[Lower_Jumper]

Thanks for the info, Brasso. Top notch. Your posts are always educational.


`

[Brasso]

SOWT, Nobody ever kicked my ass out of any A/C from May 1987 when I got to SOCOM till I retired out of SWC on 31 Oct, 1996....I was the PFDR & MFIC of A/C and ST mere for 2 years 93 - 94 Was the 1SG for the PYSOP/CA AIT 94 -95// Ops NCO SF Warrant till I retired.

Here it is and it won't be pretty.....


AR 600-8-22 11 December 2006 Personnel-General Military Awards Sep 27, 2009


8–48. Ranger Tab
a. The Ranger Tab is authorized for award to U.S. military and civilian personnel, and foreign military personnel
who qualify as prescribed.
b. The basic eligibility criteria for award of the Ranger Tab are as follows:
(1) Successful completion of a Ranger course conducted by the U.S. Army Infantry School.
(2) Any person who was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge while serving during World War II as a member
of a Ranger Battalion (1st-6th inclusive) or in the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) (Merrill’s Marauders).
(3) Any person who successfully completed a Ranger course conducted by the Ranger Training Command at Fort
Benning, GA.
(a) The Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School, Commander, USA HRC, and the Commander, HRC, St.
Louis, may award the Ranger Tab.
(b) See paragraph 1–31c(13) for revocation requirements.

BELOW is the results of the packet I produced after almost 9 months and it was approved by the CDRS of USASOC and USSOCOM, Dec, 1993.



In AR 600-8-22 11 Dec, 2006, Personnel-General Military Awards: paragraph 8-48, (3), line 7 add:

(c) Retroactive Award: The Ranger Tab may be awarded to any person on active duty, active status in the Reserve or National Guard Components, in a retired status, or honorably discharged who meets the appropriate criteria listed below.

(1) Must have been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) or Combat Medical Badge (CMB) for such service in one of the units indicated in table 2-4, unless the CIB or CMB had been awarded prior to such service.

(2) Must have served for 30 consecutive days or more, in the Republic of Vietnam, as an officer or enlisted member in one of the units indicated in table 2-4.

See Enclosure.

Add. (d) Application: Application for award of the Ranger Tab under the provisions above will contain detailed information, accompanied by substantiating documentation to justify claim.

Justification: (1) As a part of a historical oversight, the Vietnam era Rangers have not been officially recognized. The units to be recognized are the U.S. Advisors that assisted Ranger units (Biet Dong Quan) (BDO) of the Army of Vietnam (ARVN), Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), Long Range Patrol (LRP) units and Ranger companies that served in the Republic of Vietnam.

(3) The Ranger’s contributions to both our Army and our nation are a matter of historical record-many written in Ranger blood. The intent is to recognize the contributions of these heroic individuals, as well as their units, as US Army Rangers. Members who have served in Ranger type units such as Merrill’s Marauders during World War Two received recognition by being awarded the Ranger Tab.

ADD.
Definition:
South Vietnamese Ranger Units Biet Dong Quan (BDQ)
A counter-guerrilla force of light companies trained and led by US Army Ranger advisors whose unit mission was primarily to conduct patrols, raids and ambushes. They were also used as reaction forces for regular Vietnamese units.

Definition:
Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) / Lone Range Patrol (LRP)
A Company or Detachment assigned or attached to a major army command that specialized in reconnaissance and were tasked by the commander to conduct specialized patrols, raids, ambushes and prisoner snatch missions within or behind enemy lines up to 50 Kilometers from the nearest friendly forces. The Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) and the Long Range Patrol (LRP) teams operated in four to twelve man teams with a typical team consisting of 6 men.

Definition:
Ranger Company
A company assigned or attached to a major army command that specialized in reconnaissance and were tasked by the commander to conduct specialized patrols, raids ambushes and prisoner snatch missions within or behind enemy lines up to 50 Kilometers from the nearest friendly forces. The Ranger team operated in four to twelve man teams with a typical team consisting of 6 men.



Table 2-4
Vietnam era South Vietnamese Ranger Biet Dong-Quan, (BDQ), Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), Long Range Patrol (LRP), and Ranger Units.

South Vietnamese Ranger Units Biet Dong-Quan (BDQ)
US Army Ranger Advisors: Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) 1960- 1962
Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) 1962-1973





Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (Provisional)

Unit Designation Period of Service

173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate), LRRP (Provisional) May 1965 – 20 Dec 1967
1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, LRRP (Provisional) July 1965 – 10 Jan 1968
1st Infantry Division, LRRP (Provisional) Oct 1965 – 20 Dec 1967
1st Calvary Division, LRRP (Provisional) Sep 1965 – 20 Dec 1967
4th Infantry Division, LRRP (Provisional) Sep 1966 – 20 Dec 1967
9th Infantry Division, LRRP (Provisional) Jan 1967 – 20 Dec 1967
25th Infantry Division, LRRP (Provisional) Mar 1966 – 20 Dec 1967
196th Infantry Brigade (Separate), LRRP (Provisional) Jan 1967 – 20 Dec 1967

Long Range Patrol Companies and Detachments

Unit Designation Major Command Period of Service

Co. E, 20th Infantry (LRP) I Field Force Vietnam 25 Sep 1967 – 1 Feb 1969
Co. F, 51st Infantry (LRP) II Field Force Vietnam 25 Sep 1967 – 1 Feb 1969
Co. D, 151st Infantry (LRP) II Field Force Vietnam 26 Dec 1968—1 Feb 1969
Co. E, 50th Infantry (LRP) 9th Infantry Division 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
Co. F, 50th Infantry (LRP) 25th Infantry Division 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
Co. E, 51st Infantry (LRP) 23rd Infantry Division 12 Dec 1968—1 Feb 1969
Co. E, 52nd Infantry (LRP) 1st Cavalry Division 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
Co. F, 52nd Infantry (LRP) 1st Infantry Division 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
Co. E, 58th Infantry (LRP) 4th Infantry Division 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
Co. F, 58th Infantry (LRP) 101st Airborne Division 10 Jan 1968—1 Feb 1969
71st Infantry Detachment (LRP) 199th Infantry Brigade 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
74th Infantry Detachment (LRP) 173rd Airborne Brigade 20 Dec 1967—1 Feb 1969
78th Infantry Detachment (LRP) 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Div 15 Dec 1968-1 Feb 1969
79th Infantry Detachment(LRP)1st Brigade,5th Mechanized Div 15 Dec 1968-1 Feb 1969

Ranger Companies

Unit Designation Major Command Period of Service

Co. C, (Ranger), 75th Infantry I Field Force Vietnam 1 Feb 1969—25 Oct 1971
Co. D, (Ranger), 151st Infantry II Field Force Vietnam 1 Feb 1969—20 Nov 69
Co. D, (Ranger), 75th Infantry II Field Force Vietnam 20 Nov 1969—10 Apr 70
Co. E, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 9th Infantry Division 1 Feb 1969—12 Oct 1970
Co. F, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 25th Infantry Division 1 Feb 1969—15 Mar 1971
Co. G, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 23rd Infantry Division 1 Feb 1969—1 Oct 1971
Co. H, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 1st Cavalry Division 1 Feb 1969—15 Aug 72
Co. I, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 1st Infantry Division 1 Feb 1969—7 Apr 1970
Co. K, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 4th Infantry Division 1 Feb 1969—10 Dec 70
Co. L, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 101st Airborne Division 1 Feb 1969—25 Dec 1971
Co. M, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 199th Infantry Brigade 1 Feb 1969—12 Oct 1970
Co. N, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 173rd Airborne Brigade 1 Feb 1969-25 Aug 1971
Co. O, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Div 1 Feb 1969-20 Nov 1969
Co. P, (Ranger), 75th Infantry 1st Brigade, 5th Mechanized Div 1 Feb 1969-Aug 31 1971

[Brasso]

Now compare the SF & RGR and tell me that the SF community not only respects, but they honor those that came before them.....

Sep 28, 2009


IAW AR 600-8-22 Personnel-General Military Awards 11 December 2006



8–48. Ranger Tab
a. The Ranger Tab is authorized for award to U.S. military and civilian personnel, and foreign military personnel
who qualify as prescribed.
b. The basic eligibility criteria for award of the Ranger Tab are as follows:
(1) Successful completion of a Ranger course conducted by the U.S. Army Infantry School.
(2) Any person who was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge while serving during World War II as a member
of a Ranger Battalion (1st-6th inclusive) or in the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) (Merrill’s Marauders).
(3) Any person who successfully completed a Ranger course conducted by the Ranger Training Command at Fort
Benning, GA.
(a) The Commandant of the U.S. Army Infantry School, Commander, USA HRC, and the Commander, HRC, St.
Louis, may award the Ranger Tab.
(b) See paragraph 1–31c(13) for revocation requirements.

8–49. Special Forces Tab
a. Any person meeting one of the criteria below may be awarded the Special Forces (SF) Tab:
(1) Successful completion of USAJFKSWCS approved Active Army (AA) institutional training leading to SF
qualification.
(2) Successful completion of a USAJFKSWCS approved Reserve Component (RC) SF qualification program.
(3) Successful completion of an authorized unit administered SF qualification program.
b. For active component institutional training, the SF Tab may be awarded to all personnel who meet the following:
(1) For successful completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course or Special Forces Detachment Officer
116 AR 600–8–22 • 11 December 2006
Qualification Course (previously known as the Special Forces Officer Course). These courses are/were conducted by
the USAJFKSWC (previously known as the U.S. Army Institute for Military Assistance).
(2) Prior to 1 January 1988 for successful completion of the then approved program of instruction for Special Forces
qualification in a Special Forces Group, who were subsequently awarded, by competent authority, SQI “S” in Career
Management Field 18 (enlisted), or SQI “3” in Functional Area 18 (officer).
c. For Reserve Component (RC) SF qualification programs, the SF Tab may be awarded to all personnel who
successfully complete a RC SF qualification program according to TRADOC Regulation 135–5, dated 1 June 1988 or
its predecessors and who were subsequently awarded by competent authority, SQI “S” or “3” in MOB 11B, 11C, 12B,
05B, 91B, or ASI “5G” or “3”. The USAJFKSWCS will determine individual entitlement for award of the SF Tab
based on historical review of Army, Continental Army Command (CONRAC), and TRADOC regulations prescribing
SF qualification requirements in effect at the time the individual began an RC SF qualification program.
d. For unit administered SF qualification programs, the SF Tab may be awarded to all personnel who successfully
completed unit administered SF qualification programs as authorized by regulation. The USAJFKSWCS will determine
individual entitlement to award of the SF Tab based upon historical review of regulations prescribing SF qualification
requirements in effect at the time the individual began a unit administered SF qualification program.
e. The SF Tab may be awarded retroactively to all personnel who performed the following wartime service.
(1) From 1942 through 1973. Served with a Special Forces unit during wartime and were either unable to or not
required to attend a formal program of instruction but were awarded SQI “S”, “3”, or “5G” by competent authority.
(2) Prior to 1954. The SF Tab may be awarded prior to 1955 for at least 120 consecutive days in one of the
following organizations:
(a) 1st Special Service Force, August 1942 to December 1944.
(b) OSS Detachment 101, April 1942 to September 1945.
(c) OSS Jedburgh Detachments, May 1944 to May 1945.
(d) OSS Operational Groups, May 1944 to May 1945.
(e) OSS Maritime Unit, April 1942 to September 1945.
(f) 6th Army Special Reconnaissance Unit (Alamo Scouts), February 1944 to September 1945.
(g) 8240th Army Unit, June 1950 to July 1953.
(3) From 1954 through 1975. Any company grade officer or enlisted member awarded the CIB or CMB while
serving for at least 120 consecutive days in one of the following type organizations:
(a) SF Operational Detachment-A (A–Team).
(b) Mobile Strike Force.
(c) SF Reconnaissance Team.
(d) SF Special Project Unit.
f. The Commander, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center (USAJFKSWCS), Fort Bragg, NC
28307–5000 and the Commander, USA HRC (AHRC–PDO–PA), Alexandria, VA 22332–0471.
g. See paragraph 1–31 for revocation/r

[Skysoldier]

Excellent info Brasso! My brother John would thank you too if he could.

[Brasso]

There were 4 MOH Recipients from all the units listed above, and 8 MIA's and 1 POW who was returned from captivity 27 Mar, 1973.

Historical Overview For 75th Ranger Regiment:

Historical Overview For 75^TH Ranger Regiment

1^st Battalion

Organized 3 October 1943 in the Army of the United States in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as an element of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
Consolidated 10 August 1944 with Company C, 475th Infantry (constituted 25 May 1944 in the Army of the United States), and consolidated unit designated as Company C, 475th Infantry
Inactivated 1 July 1945 in China
Redesignated 21 June 1954 as Company C, 75th Infantry
Allotted 26 October 1954 to the Regular Army
Inactivated 21 March 1956 on Okinawa
Activated 20 November 1954 on Okinawa
Activated 1 February 1969 in Vietnam
Inactivated 25 October 1971 in Vietnam
Redesignated 31 January 1974 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 75th
Infantry, and activated at Fort Stewart, Georgia (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
Headquarters and Headquarters Company consolidated 3 February 1986 with former Company A, 1st Ranger Infantry Battalion (see ANNEX); 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry, concurrently redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

Historical Overview For 75^th Ranger Regiment

2nd Battalion

Organized 3 October 1943 in the Army of the United States in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as an element of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
Consolidated 10 August 1944 with Company H, 475th Infantry (constituted 25 May 1944 in the Army of the United States), and consolidated unit designated as Company H, 475th Infantry
Inactivated 1 July 1945 in China
Redesignated 21 June 1954 as Company H, 75th Infantry
Allotted 26 October 1954 to the Regular Army
Activated 20 November 1954 on Okinawa
Inactivated 21 March 1956 on Okinawa
Activated 1 February 1969 in Vietnam
Inactivated 15 August 1972 in Vietnam
Redesignated 1 October 1974 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 75th Infantry, and activated at Fort Lewis, Washington (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
Headquarters and Headquarters Company consolidated 3 February 1986 with former Company A, 2d Infantry Battalion (see ANNEX); 2d Battalion, 75th Infantry, concurrently redesignated as the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

Historical Overview For 75^th Ranger Regiment

Ranger Regiment

Organized 3 October 1943 in the Army of the United States in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
Consolidated 10 August 1944 with the 475th Infantry (constituted 25 May 1944 in the Army of the United States) and consolidated unit designated as the 475th Infantry
Inactivated 1 July 1945 in China
Redesignated 21 June 1954 as the 75th Infantry
Allotted 26 October 1954 to the Regular Army
Activated 20 November 1954 on Okinawa
Inactivated 21 March 1956 on Okinawa
Reorganized 1 January 1969 as a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System
Reorganized 1 July 1984 with Headquarters at Fort Benning, Georgia
Consolidated 3 February 1986 with the former 1st Ranger Infantry Battalion, 2d Infantry Battalion, and 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th Ranger Infantry Battalions (see ANNEXES 1-6) and consolidated unit redesignated as the 75th Ranger Regiment; concurrently withdrawn from the Combat Arms Regimental System and reorganized under the United States Army Regimental System

Historical Overview For 75^th Ranger Regiment

3^rd Battalion

Organized 3 October 1943 in the Army of the United States in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as an element of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
Consolidated 10 August 1944 with Company F, 475th Infantry (constituted 25 May 1944 in the Army of the United States), and consolidated unit designated as Company F, 475th Infantry
Inactivated 1 July 1945 in China
Redesignated 21 June 1954 as Company F, 75th Infantry
Allotted 26 October 1954 to the Regular Army
Activated 20 November 1954 on Okinawa
Inactivated 21 March 1956 on Okinawa
Activated 1 February 1969 in Vietnam
Inactivated 15 March 1971 in Vietnam
Redesignated 2 October 1984 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 75th Infantry, and activated at Fort Benning, Georgia (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
Headquarters and Headquarters Company consolidated 3 February 1986 with former Company A, 3d Ranger Infantry Battalion (see ANNEX); 3d Battalion, 75th Infantry, concurrently redesignated as the 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

Historical Overview For 75^th Ranger Regiment

Special Troops Battalion

Organized 3 October 1943 in the Army of the United States in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as an element of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)

Consolidated 10 August 1944 with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 475th Infantry (constituted 25 May 1944 in the Army of the United States), and consolidated unit designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 475th Infantry

Inactivated 1 July 1945 in China

Redesignated 21 June 1954 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry

Allotted 26 October 1954 to the Regular Army

Activated 20 November 1954 on Okinawa

Inactivated 21 March 1956 on Okinawa

Redesignated 1 January 1969 as Company N, 75th Infantry

Activated 1 February 1969 in Vietnam

Inactivated 25 August 1971 in Vietnam

Consolidated 3 February 1986 with former Company B, 1st Ranger Infantry Battalion (see ANNEX), and consolidated unit designated as Company N, 75th Ranger Regiment

Redesignated 10 March 2006 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (organic elements concurrently constituted)

Battalion activated 16 October 2007 at Fort Benning, Georgia

[SOWT]

how'd they determine which lineages to retain? and why not align all the VN era companies with current companies in the Rgt?

[Brasso]

They generally look for a unit that has a good historical background. Now since the 1st Ranger Bn was going to be the first Rgr Bn since WWII, they evaluated the overall wartime records of the Vietnam era Rgrs and picked one for each Bn. They can not give lineage to a Company that's under a parent Bn that already has a lineage.

But what a lot of the LRS units did was get assigned the Lineage of the LRP Companies from the Vietnam Era, this way it also makes them eligible to be part of the 75th Ranger Regiment Assoc which is the Parent unit for all the above mentioned units up till the present day Regiment and the LRS who have the lineage from any Nam LRP company. I failed to add in the Support Bn when I told the other Bn's lineage, however if you read it you can see it was assigned the lineage from N Co (RGR) 75th Inf, 173rd Abn Bde (Sep).

[krb931]

Very good info, and as always I love reading your post.

[Brasso]

I want to thank all of you guys who had the decency to even attempt to read all this stuff, IMO it's important and vital to remember where you came from and in our type of work we need to share all the info we can. Thank you brothers.

[JP43]

Brasso, when it come to the history of our Ranger units, you are the man.

[zanshin]

Thanks for the history and hard work. When I hit the 82nd as a cherry PFC in '71, the 82nd was getting anyone with jump wings as they built the division up to strength. Some guys were coming back from RVN wearing scrolls, mostly men who only had a few months or so before ETS. Several of these guys cycled in and out of our Recon PLT (AT shared a squad bay with them.) Most senior SGTs and officers left them alone and they cruised until they left.

[Jeff82]

Very interesting stuff. I'm trying to figure out how/where my dad fits in this stuff. He graduated some SF driven course at FT Bragg in '62 or thereabouts. After this training he went to 'Nam '62-'63 and trained South Vietnamese Rangers (BDQ) at Suc Mi [sp?], pronouced 'Zook Me' for a year. But he was an armor officer. The Vietnamese did award him their Ranger patch. Is he eligible for a retroawarded Ranger or SF Tab?