US Army's First, Last, and Only All-Black Rangers: The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) in the Korean War, 1950-1951

by Edward L. Posey

Overview

Finalist, Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Book Award: An account of this elite unit serving in the last days of a segregated military: “Riveting.” —The Journal of African American History

The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) was the first and only all-black Ranger unit in the history of the United States Army. The company’s life span covered ten months, from selection and training through a seven-month combat deployment in Korea, after which the unit was deactivated. The 2nd and 4th Rangers were among the units initially assigned to the Eighth Army and were considered to be “combat ready.”

The 2nd Ranger Company battled North Korean and Communist Chinese forces near Tangyang, Majori-ri, and Chechon; conducted the first airborne assault in Ranger history near the town of Munsan-ni; and executed the heroic attack and defense of Hill 581. In their short time together, these men demonstrated courage, served with honor, and achieved a magnificent combat record.

This is the first complete history of this elite all-volunteer unit whose members were drawn from the 3rd Battalion of the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment and the 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion. As a member of the unit, Edward L. Posey bases his account on firsthand experience, official records, interviews with survivors, and other material to produce a rich and worthy addition to the growing literature on the Korean War. Posey’s study explains the obstacles these patriotic men faced, their sacrifices, and their courageous actions on the far side of the world.

“Outstanding . . . a shining example of what Americans are capable of accomplishing.” —John Conyers, Jr.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611210361
Publisher:	Savas Beatie
Publication date:	05/20/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	1,059,739
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Master Sergeant (Ret) Edward L. Posey joined the US Army in 1947. After serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment, he volunteered for airborne training with the Rangers in 1950 and served with distinction in the Korean War (where he was wounded). Sergeant Posey retired from the service in 1969. In 2002, he was inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame for his dedication to duty and distinguished military career.

Table of Contents

Foreword General William E. Ward viii

Preface ix

Introduction xiii

Part I Formation and Training

Chapter 1 Training at Benning 1

Chapter 2 The Officers' Advance Party 11

Chapter 3 The Company's Trip to Korea 19

Part II Movements and Actions

Chapter 4 First Combat Action, Outside Tanyang Pass 35

Chapter 5 First Airborne Assault Near Munsan-Ni 59

Chapter 6 Attack and Defense of Hill 581 93

Chapter 7 Assault and Occupation of Hill 545 109

Chapter 8 Award of Combat Infantry Company Streamer and Start of the Journey Home 119

Chapter 9 After Korea: Life on Strategic Reserve Duty in Japan 129

Part III Personal Memoirs

Chapter 10 As I Remember 137

Appendix 1 Ranger Whereabouts 169

Appendix 2 Unit Roster 194

Appendix 3 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 198

Appendix 4 Table of Army Ranks 207

Appendix 5 Phonetic alphabet, used by the Army (1944 version) 210

Appendix 6 Chronology of the 2d Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) 211

Notes 216

Bibliography 220

Index 223

Editorial Reviews

A labor of love by surviving members of this unit in the Korean War, an all-volunteer unit that came together when President Truman was putting an end to the segregated military. Told in the first person and not very polished, this is still a record of a transitional time that tested all concerned. Many readers will appreciate this addition to Korean War studies.

—Edwin B. Burgess

Library Journal

"… a remarkable account, told from the inside out, a great book…"

Book Bit for WTBF AM/FM

"There is a growing interest in the role of the African American Soldier in our history, from the time of the Revolution to Iraq. Documentaries, like our recent Emmy award winning special on African Americans at D-Day, prove the point. The US Army’s First, Last, and Only All-Black Rangers adds a fascinating personal note to this on going epic. Posey’s story is important because it says so much about our history. It’s destined to become an essential part of our understanding of the role black citizens have played in defending and defining our country."

Charlie Maday

"Friendship, bravery, and compassion, these American soldiers had it all. The passionate description of bravery, patriotism, and pride gives the reader insight into the men who changed the armed services forever. I found myself wanting to cheer for them and cry with them, and beaming with pride for all they were able to accomplish. These men proved they were the best."

Pamela Gentry

"Posey’s vivid recollections of the heroism and dignity with which the Buffalo Rangers faced their enemies both foreign and domestic is indeed a marvelous read. More important still it gives long-overdue credit to the valor and sacrifice demonstrated by African-American warriors in American military history."

The Washington Times - Ranger and Special Operations historian Col. Michael Haas

FINALIST, 2009, ARMY HISTORICAL FOUNDATION DISTINGUISHED BOOK AWARD

From the Publisher

Posey’s vivid recollections of the heroism and dignity with which the Buffalo Rangers faced their enemies both foreign and domestic is indeed a marvelous read. More important still it gives long-overdue credit to the valor and sacrifice demonstrated by African-American warriors in American military history.

The Washington Times