About this Unit
Company C, 75th Infantry (Ranger), was one of the elite Ranger companies formed during the Vietnam War as part of the 75th Infantry Regiment. Activated in February 1969, Company C was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and specialized in long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRP), ambushes, and intelligence-gathering operations behind enemy lines. The unit conducted high-risk missions in the dense jungles of Vietnam, often operating in small, highly trained teams. Company C, along with its sister Ranger companies, played a critical role in providing actionable intelligence and disrupting enemy operations, upholding the proud Ranger tradition of courage and excellence.
Historical Facts
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Origins in Vietnam: Company C (Ranger), 75th Infantry was activated during the Vietnam War in February 1969, as part of the reorganization of Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) units into the 75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment.
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Assigned to 1st Cavalry Division: Co. C was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), operating primarily in III Corps Tactical Zone, conducting reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions.
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Legacy of the Merrill's Marauders: The 75th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to the famed Merrill’s Marauders (5307th Composite Unit) from World War II, inheriting their traditions and Ranger heritage.
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Heavily Decorated: Members of Co. C, 75th Infantry earned numerous awards for valor, including Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts, for their actions in deep reconnaissance and direct action missions.
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Small, Elite Teams: Co. C Rangers operated in small, highly trained teams, often inserted by helicopter or on foot deep behind enemy lines for extended periods.
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Notable Engagements: The unit participated in several major operations, including operations in the infamous “Iron Triangle,” the Ho Bo Woods, and the jungles near the Cambodian border.
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Innovators in Tactics: Co. C Rangers were known for pioneering long-range reconnaissance patrol tactics, using stealth, camouflage, and advanced navigation to evade enemy forces.
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Nickname: The unit was sometimes referred to as "Charlie Rangers," derived from the phonetic alphabet designation of Company C.
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Casualty Rate: Despite their small size, Co. C suffered significant casualties due to the high-risk nature of their missions, highlighting the dangerous work of Army Rangers in Vietnam.
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Postwar Legacy: After Vietnam, Co. C (Ranger), 75th Infantry was inactivated, but its lineage and honors were carried forward into today’s 75th Ranger Regiment, one of the U.S. Army’s premier special operations forces.
