The Fifth Ranger Infantry Battalion was activated on September 1, 1943, under provisions of an Army Ground Forces letter, which included in part the following directive:

        "All personnel will be chosen from volunteers of above normal mental and physical condition. Personnel should be under 28 years of age and should meet all physical requirements for that of a parachutist, excepting that he may not be required to jump from an airplane in flight".

        "All personnel will be chosen from units which have completed and participated in a division sized maneuver".

        "All personnel will be required to qualify with each arm furnished the battalion".

        Any personnel found not meeting above qualification, will on request of Commander concerned, be transferred to the unit from whence he came".

        "Battalion will be prepared to undergo further directed training commencing January 1, 1944, as part of an overseas command".

        "Direct telephone or personnal communication is authorized between Battalion Commander and Commanding General, Army Ground Forces".