Merrill’s Marauders (named after Frank Merrill) or Unit Galahad, officially named the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), was a United States Army long range penetration special operationsjungle warfare unit, which fought in the Southeast Asian theater of World War II, or China-Burma-India Theater (CBI). The unit became famous for its deep-penetration missions behind Japanese lines, often engaging Japanese forces superior in number.

In 1944, the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) of the Army of the United States was organized and trained for long-range penetration behind enemy lines in Japanese-held Burma. The unit was commanded by Brig. Gen. (later Maj. Gen.) Frank D. Merrill. It’s two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven (2,297) Officers and men became popularly known as “Merrill’s Marauders.”

From February to May 1944, the operations of the Marauders were closely coordinated with those of the Chinese 22nd and 38th Divisions. Their mission was to recover Northern Burma and clear the way for the construction of the Ledo Road. This was to link the Indian Railhead at Ledo with the old Burma Road to China.

The Marauders were foot soldiers and even had mules. They marched and fought through jungles and over mountains from the Hukawng Valley in Northwestern Burma to Myitkyina on the Irrawaddy River. In five (5) major and thirty (30) minor engagements, they met and defeated the Veteran Soldiers of the Japanese 18th Division.

Operating in the rear of the Main Forces of the Japanese, they prepared the way for the southward advance of the Chinese by disorganizing supply lines and communications. The climax of the Marauders’ operations was the capture of the Myitkyina Airfield which was the only all-weather strip in Northern Burma. This was the final victory of the 5307th Composite Unit, which was disbanded in August 1944.

Also serving with honor and distinction were selected Philippine Scouts who volunteered for duty with the Marauders. The unit was consolidated with the 475th Infantry on 10 August 1944. On 21 June 1954, the 475th was redesignated as the 75th Infantry. It is from the redesignation of the Merrill’s Marauders into the 75th Infantry Regiment that the modern-day 75th Ranger Regiment traces its current unit designation.
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