To Descendants of Mosby Rangers:

Over the last several years, it has been my distinct privilege and honor to communicate (via e-mail, phone or in person) with many descendants of Mosby Rangers. They are almost always the source of some little golden nugget about their ancestor and provide a little more paint to the only half-finished mural that is the story of the Rangers. On occasion, I have had the great joy of being able to provide some evidence to substantiate family stories that Great Great Grandpa had been a Ranger . A few times, I have also been able to give someone a photo of their ancestor that they had never seen. 

Last night (July 6th), I received a phone call from a gentleman who was the Great Great Grandson of Charles "Broadway" Rouss. That was a thrill! Rouss joined the Rangers near the end of the war, but fought in two of their more famous engagements: their good old-fashioned whipping of the Loudoun Rangers and their ignominious defeat by the 8th Illinois Cavalry at Arundel's Tavern. Speaking to his descendant was exciting.

I am writing this to encourage any descendants of Mosby Rangers to contact me (info@mosbymen.com) just to touch base. Let me know that you are out there. I am still finding "new" information on Rangers and I may have something to share. Of course, you may very well have a wonderful wealth of information for me. Even if we have corresponded in the past, please reach out again so I can confirm your contact information and to ensure that I have the proper connection between you and "your" Ranger.

Thank you. 

I am standing in front of the gravesite of Mosby Ranger Dallas Furr. He was a member of Company A and 20 years old when he received his parole in Winchester on April 22, 1865. Dallas was born on April 18, 1845 and died on August 6, 1903. After the war, Dallas donated a piece of his land to veterans of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry who wanted to erect a monument to their comrades who had fallen near the spot during the Aldie-Middleburg-Upperville fight in June of 1863. The monument, sited along the Snickersville Turnpike, still stands today.

Don Hakenson, Chuck Mauro, Eric Buckland, Dave Goetz.

Recorded on 9 July 2015 at the Bull Run Civil War Round Table meeting.

http://bullruncwrt.org/BRCWRT/AudioArchives/lecturer-Panel/listen.html

THE SPECIAL FORCES CREED

I am an American Special Forces Soldier.

A professional!

I will do all that my nation requires of me.

I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession.

I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me: Roger’s Rangers,

Francis Marion, Mosby’s Rangers, the First Special Service Forces and Ranger

Battalions of World War II, the Airborne Ranger Companies of Korea.

I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of all I am – in all I do.

I am a professional soldier. I will teach and fight wherever my nation requires.

I will strive always, to excel in every art and artifice of war.

I know that I will be called upon to perform my tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces

and voices, with the help and guidance of my God.

I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for this is my debt to those

who depend upon me.

I will not fail those with whom I serve.

I will not bring shame upon myself or the forces.

I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an immaculate state as befits

a Special Forces soldier.

I will never surrender though I be the last. If I am taken, I pray that I may have the

strength to spit upon my enemy.

My goal is to succeed in any mission – and live to succeed again.

I am a member of my nation’s chosen soldiery.

God grant that I may not be found wanting, that I will not fail this sacred trust.

“De Oppresso Liber”

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 esprit de corps of the Rangers.

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!

What is a U. S. Army Ranger

          A Ranger embodies the heart, soul and spirit of a true warrior. He is expected to do things others may not or cannot do otherwise. He will accomplish extraordinary things others can only dream about.

In the military scheme of things sacred and revered, the Ranger way of life is not for just anybody and few will ever make the grade of becoming the ultimate warrior soldier. A Ranger never rests on his laurels or past accomplishments. He will continue to prove himself to be the best each and everyday.

          Self sacrifice, teamwork, and sheer determination at overcoming any obstacle, completing the mission spearhead the soul, and encompass the ideals of what exactly a Ranger is and does, both in word and deed.

It is not just a title; it is in fact, a way of life. Tough, demanding, fast paced, arduous and dangerous are only some of the terms associated with this elite soldier.

          The United States Army Ranger has had a long tradition of history dating back to the beginnings of this great nation.

          The ranks of Ranger Units have always been filled with only those who can endure and persevere when others may fall by the wayside. It has never been for the weak or faint of heart. Mental and physical discipline, technical and tactical expertise and a never quit mindset are some of the qualities and characteristics that set an Army Ranger apart from everyone else. Once immersed in this mindset, it will remain embodied with him forever, wherever he may go and whatever he may do.

          The United States Army Ranger is the standard of excellence by which all others are judged.

And that tradition still remains today as it will tomorrow.

          Rangers have always "Led the Way" and will always "Lead the Way."

Mosby's Combat Operations in Fairfax County, VA was produced by HMS Productions and can be purchased on their web site at http://www.fairy-lamp.com/HMS/HMS_Sale_Items.html.

This film depicts forty-two combat engagements Confederate Colonel John Singleton Mosby conducted against the Union forces operating and camped around the city of Washington from 1863 to 1865. The documentary includes on-site video and narration concerning the stories, the units, the men and civilians involved, maps and the outcome of each operation. Each story is told by one of six esteemed Civil War authors, intimately familiar with Colonel Mosby, his men, each location, and each combat incident.