Merrill's Marauders (5307th Composite Unit -Provisional)
Merrill's Marauders, officially known as the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), was a unique U.S. Army unit formed during World War II, inspired by British long-range penetration tactics. Established following the August 1943 Quebec Conference, the unit operated under Major General Joseph W. Stilwell with a mission to reclaim northern Burma and ensure a supply route to China. Comprising around 3,000 volunteers, many of whom were veterans from Guadalcanal, the Marauders underwent rigorous jungle training and were organized into self-contained combat teams.
From April to May 1944, they engaged in significant battles against the Japanese Eighteenth Division, ultimately capturing the Myitkyina Airfield, the only all-weather airstrip in the region. Despite facing debilitating conditions, including disease and malnutrition, the unit managed to achieve its objectives but suffered severe casualties, leading to their disbandment in August 1944. Their remarkable resilience and accomplishments garnered attention and accolades, with the Marauders earning numerous citations, including the Bronze Star for every member. The unit's legacy reflects their role as one of the first American ground forces to confront Japanese troops in Asia and highlights their enduring spirit against formidable odds.
Merrill's Marauders (5307th Composite Unit -Provisional)
Identification Brigadier General Frank Merrill’s three thousand U.S. troops plus Chinese soldiers who operated alongside British general Orde Wingate’s Chindits in the Burma campaign during World War II
Also Known As 5,307th Composite Unit (provisional)
Dates Active from September, 1943, to August, 1944
Merrill’s Marauders engaged in long-range penetration warfare behind Japanese enemy lines and helped recover strategically significant northern Burma for the Allies. Because of their great success and the extremely difficult conditions they overcame, the Marauders captured American headlines and hearts as they bolstered Allied confidence at a turning point in World War II. They were also the forerunners of the U.S. Army Rangers.
At the August, 1943, Quebec Conference, the Allies decided to create a U.S. Army unit based on British general Orde Wingate’s long-range penetration group, “the Chindits.” Eventually, the U.S. Army 5,307th Composite Unit (provisional) was placed in U.S. major general Joseph Warren Stilwell’s command; their mission was to recover northern Burma for the Allies and open a supply route into China.
In September, 1943, the U.S. Army called for volunteers. Three thousand men, including veterans of Guadalcanal, answered. From October 31, 1943, through January, 1944, the volunteers underwent intensive jungle training. Divided into six combat teams, each was equipped to operate as an independent, self-contained unit, relying on flexibility and surprise rather than only firepower. Their final training maneuver was a rugged ten-day foray with the Chindits. The American press, watching them on these final maneuvers, christened the unit “Merrill’s Marauders,” after their commanding officer, Brigadier General Frank Merrill.
Merrill’s Marauders were the first U.S. ground combat force to engage Japanese forces on the continent of Asia. They traveled farther and through worse jungle terrain than any other U.S. Army unit during World War II. Joined by both Chinese and native Kachin soldiers, they battled the Japanese Eighteenth Division in five major engagements: Walawbum, Shadzup, Inkangatawng, Nhpum Ga, and Myitkyina.
The Marauders’ final objective was Myitkyina Airfield, the only all-weather airfield in northern Burma. They began the operation on April 28, 1944, and seized the airfield on May 17. However, forty-six hundred Japanese troops still held the town of Myitkyina. Ordered to assist the Chindits with the capture, the Marauders began assault-retreat maneuvers, while battling dysentery, malaria, typhus, leeches, and malnutrition. When Myitkyina finally fell, on August 3, only 200 original Marauders remained. They had suffered 80 percent casualties, including General Merrill, who suffered a heart attack plus malaria. Morale plunged due to horrible physical conditions. Finally, Merrill’s Marauders were disbanded and evacuated on August 10, 1944.
Impact
The Marauders’ exploits were splashed through the headlines in newspapers across America, especially The New York Times. Outgunned and outnumbered, the Marauders fought through the cruelest jungle terrain any American soldier faced during World War II. They fought one of the strongest divisions of the Imperial Japanese Army without conventional backup or supplies and somehow managed to succeed. Ill, injured, and malnourished, the Marauders accomplished their mission of linking India to China on an Allied-held road and flight path, and in doing so became ragtag heroes for the American press and people. The Marauders earned a distinguished unit citation naming them an outstanding combat force. By August, 1944, they had collectively earned 110 citations, in addition to many Purple Hearts. Eventually, the Bronze Star was awarded to every member of the unit.
Bibliography
Hopkins, James E. T., with John M. Jones. Spearhead: A Complete History of Merrill’s Marauder Rangers. Baltimore, Md.: Galahad Press, 1999.
Latimer, Jon. Burma: The Forgotten War. London: John Murray, 2004.