In the Company of Wolves

The woods before and above them opened fire, and a thousand voices rose in a Cherokee war-whoop. Three of the lead men in Marion’s section were not lucky this time, as several balls hit them at once.

Ducking next to a tree, Jacob could hear the thuds of balls striking it instead of him. Looking around the tree, he could see the silhouettes of the Cherokee amongst the trees, their war paint blending in with the shadows of the trees.

Looking across the ravine, Jacob could see Moultrie and his men had taken cover and had a couple of men wounded by the opening volley. Then looking behind them, he could see Kennedy’s men seeking protection, while he could hear the British commanders issuing their orders. Jacob became concerned that they could get caught in a crossfire between the British regiments and the Cherokee.

Founded in 1751, Rogers’ Rangers was a provincial company that became attached to the British Army during the French and Indian War. It was quickly adopted into the British army as an independent ranger company.

RANGER CREED:

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high spirit of the corps of my Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy, and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.

Rangers Lead The Way!

Author Bio : Erick W. Nason grew up in Glens Falls, New York, the heart of Rogers Rangers territory. Fort Edwards was south, the Lake George Battlefield and Fort William Henry just above, and Fort Ticonderoga to the north. He has walked the fields and ramparts he writes about.

The author is a search and rescue planner for USAF Central Command at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, near Sumter. His main hobby is Revolutionary War reenacting, and he also enjoys scuba diving. “I do a lot of community volunteer work, am with the Civil Air Patrol, and the special response dive team. I also support historical activities such as the 1776 Battlefield Preservation, am a speaker at the Francis Marion Symposium, presenter to local groups on the American Revolution, and am part of the 250th celebration and liberty trail in South Carolina.”