Rudder's Rangers: The 2nd United States Ranger Battalion

D-Day was characterized by sacrifice and uncommon valor. Yet even among the valorous deeds that were common on 6 June 1944, the exploits of the Rangers at Pointe du Hoc stand out as tributes to human courage. This book details the true story of Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder and his 2nd Ranger Battalion. It is a true story of courage, human ingenuity, achievement and ultimate sacrifice.

The story of Rudder's Rangers is brought to life by Ronald L. Lane. Lane's familiarity with Rangers stems from his personal experience as an airborne ranger with the 101st Airborne Division.

Lane's vivid depiction of the story and events of Rudder's Rangers will give you a depth of understanding of these great events, a perception of actually being there, that has not been available before. He presents the facts, but more importantly, he expertly weaves the thoughts and words of the survivors of the operation into a story of great perseverance and unhesitating sacrifice, a story that will continue to serve as inspiration to all who enjoy the freedoms bought with the lives of these brave men. The insights Lane has gained were made possible by personally interviewing hundreds of people associated with Earl Rudder and his Rangers. Personal letters, along with official Army records and files, add a historical perspective unmatched by any other account of the Ranger attack on the Normandy cliffs.

Ronald L. Lane was a graduate of West Point Military Academy, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army. He was an airborne ranger with the 101st Airborne Division. Through his 21 year military career, he served all around the world including three years in Southeast Asia during the Viet Nam conflict, three years in France, and six years in the Pentagon. Lane was awarded the coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge and numerous other American and foreign military decorations. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Lane was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.