10/30/2026
REMEMBERING MERRILL’S MARAUDERS — THE FORGOTTEN WARRIORS OF BURMA
These include Lynn, MA native:
Private Joseph A. Gala
United States Army — Merrill’s Marauders
Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
Killed in Action: July 14, 1944 — Burma
Age: 21
REMEMBERING MERRILL’S MARAUDERS — THE FORGOTTEN WARRIORS OF BURMA
United States Army | Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) | World War II
Some of the most extraordinary stories of American courage during World War II took place far from the beaches of Normandy and the islands of the Pacific.
Deep in the mountains and jungles of Burma (now Myanmar), nearly 3,000 American volunteers undertook one of the most demanding missions of the war.
They were officially designated the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), code-named GALAHAD, but history remembers them as Merrill’s Marauders, named for their commander, Brigadier General Frank D. Merrill.
In 1943, volunteers answered a call for an exceptionally dangerous mission. Some were already combat veterans. Others came from units stationed across the United States and overseas.
Their assignment was to pe*****te deep behind Japanese lines, disrupt enemy supply routes and communications, and help Allied forces reopen a vital land supply connection to China.
Beginning in February 1944, the Marauders fought their way through hundreds of miles of nearly impassable jungle and mountainous terrain. Carrying their weapons and supplies, supported by pack mules and aerial resupply, they endured oppressive heat, monsoon rains, disease, exhaustion, and repeated enemy engagements.
They fought five major battles and approximately 30 smaller engagements against Japanese forces.
Among these men were the soldiers of Company E, 2nd Battalion, part of a force whose mission demanded extraordinary endurance and courage.
On May 17, 1944, the Marauders, fighting alongside Chinese troops, captured the strategically important Myitkyina airfield. The surrounding city would not fall until August 3, following additional months of fierce fighting.
The victory came at a terrible cost.
Disease, wounds, and exhaustion devastated the unit. Of the nearly 3,000 men who originally served, only a small fraction remained with the force by the end of the campaign.
The 5307th was disbanded in August 1944, but its legacy endured. Merrill’s Marauders became an important part of the heritage of today's 75th Ranger Regiment, representing the courage, determination, and sacrifice of American soldiers operating under the harshest conditions.
Their story reminds us that victory in World War II was achieved not only in the famous battles we remember, but also through the extraordinary sacrifices of men serving in distant places whose names seldom appear in our history books.
Today, we honor the soldiers of Company E, the 2nd Battalion, and every member of Merrill’s Marauders.
May we never forget those who answered the call, endured the unimaginable, and sacrificed so much in service to our nation.
Their service deserves to be remembered. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
