February 23rd at1630 hours in the town of Weiten, Germany. An electrifying atmosphere pervaded the entire assembly area. The men were as restive as yearlings and indeed they should be. But a few hours previous, the sixth Ranger Companies had been spread over an area of 11,000 yards when, bingo, the Battalion less "B" Company, received orders to assemble in Weiten as rapidly as possible. Immediately after orienting the relieving units, Companies "A", "E" and "F" struck out on foot while "C" and "D" had to be motored. The rumors of the impending job were numerous and varied, yet, despite their difference, all possessed one common theme, "The job was to be a real Ranger one".

        The men's doubts and wonderment were short-lived, for soon the mission was unraveled to all. In true Ranger conformity, the lowest private possessed as equal a knowledge as Colonel Sullivan, The Battalion Commander. It was to be a 48 hour job, to cross the Saar, infiltrate the enemy lines and cut the Irsch-Zerf road. It's importance was determined by the fact that it represented the nucleus for any German reinforcements and must be accomplished at any and all costs. The companies were to set off individually to "B" Company's position in the town of Rodt and were to be there by 1815 hours. Immediately, extra machine gun ammunition, AT mines, and one "K" and one "D" ration per man were issued. The men were advised to grab some hot chow and to travel as light as possible. The ensuing hustle and bustle of preparation was orderly and rapid and, shortly thereafter, the 5th Ranger Battalion shoved off - on