On January 30, 1945, at 19:40 local time, 121 Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and a group of Philippine guerrillas pulled off the most successful POW rescue in American military history—The Great Raid. Infiltrating deep behind enemy lines, they saved over 500 American and Allied POWs from certain death at the Cabanatuan POW camp.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of this extraordinary event, a group of 75th Ranger Regiment veterans, alongside active Rangers, will retrace the historic route, honoring the incredible courage and sacrifice of the 6th Ranger Battalion. The journey will culminate in a ceremony at the Camp Pangatian Memorial Shrine and later at the American Military Cemetery in Manila, paying tribute to those who gave their lives so that others could live.
The group of 22 participants includes former Regimental Sergeants Major, Brigade and Battalion Command Sergeants Major, and other distinguished "Legends of the 75th." Representing decades of service, from the early years of the 75th Ranger Infantry Battalions, through Grenada, to recent deployments in the Global War on Terror, these Rangers will walk 30 miles to the site of the Cabanatuan Prison Camp. At the exact time of the raid 80 years ago, they will conduct a ceremony and then exfiltrate on a grueling 20-mile trek to the site of 6th Army’s lines near Talavera, Luzon.
This event is being captured on film so that Rangers around the world can watch with pride, knowing they are part of a long and storied history.
How You Can Help: These Rangers are walking for all of us—past, present, and future—so that the history and achievements of the Rangers will never be forgotten. Your support and encouragement are vital! The participants are paying their own travel costs, but there are several other costs to the event and that’s where we need your help. Whether you can offer a donation or are a vendor willing to provide gear, your help will make a difference. Please contact Marcus Hull, marcus@threerangersfoundation.org, at the Three Rangers Foundation for more information.
Spread the word and help make this event happen! It will go forward no matter what—just like every Ranger mission—but with your support, you can be part of it and show your pride in the Rangers.
Rangers Lead the Way!