The legacy of the 6th Ranger Battalion is etched into the annals of military history through its members’ audacious and heroic actions during World War II. The “Raid at Cabanatuan” in the Philippines stands as a testament to their unwavering courage and strategic brilliance.
On Jan. 30, 1945, these Rangers, alongside Filipino guerrillas and U.S. Sixth Army Alamo Scouts, infiltrated deep behind enemy lines to liberate over 500 American prisoners of war from the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on Luzon. This daring mission not only showcased their commitment to the Ranger Creed—“never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy”—but it also highlighted the profound bonds of brotherhood that define the Ranger ethos.
Eighty years later, this past January, a group of 22 former Rangers embarked on a journey to honor this legacy. Their mission was not one of combat, but of remembrance and reflection. They sought to walk in the footsteps of their predecessors, to stand where their Ranger forefathers once stood and to pay homage to the sacrifices made decades earlier.
This pilgrimage was a bridge across time, connecting generations through shared values of duty, honor and sacrifice.
Path Begins
The inspiration for this journey began with retired Lt. Col. Dan Knight, who served over 30 years in elite units and who envisioned retracing the path of the 6th Ranger Battalion. His passion was ignited over 30 years ago when he escorted Robert Prince—a captain when he was one of the original Cabanatuan raiders—through the 2nd Ranger Battalion headquarters at then-Fort Lewis, Washington. Hearing Prince recount the 1945 mission firsthand left an indelible mark on Knight and planted the seeds for a future endeavor to honor and preserve this pivotal piece of history.
In the spring of 2024, Knight shared his vision with retired Sgt. Maj. Michael “Ted” Kennedy and other former Rangers. Despite initial skepticism due to the new mission’s complexity and logistical challenges, the idea gained momentum. By last summer, a dedicated team was formed, and plans were set in motion. Recognizing the significance of their undertaking, the former Rangers who came together for the trip decided to document the journey, ensuring that their stories and experiences would be preserved for future generations.
By Jan. 20, the first members of the team arrived in Manila, Philippines, then gathered in Angeles City, about 45 miles northwest, by Jan. 25. The group included 22 former Rangers, representing every conflict since Grenada; a film crew headed by director Sean Spencer; Special Forces soldiers, active and retired; Philippine and American Veterans of Foreign Wars members; and active-duty Philippine Scout Rangers.
This diverse coalition embodied the enduring alliance and mutual respect between U.S. and Philippine forces, reminiscent of collaboration during the original raid.
Over nine days, the team undertook a series of ceremonies and movements, including a 35-mile road march and a boat trip, designed to honor and reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before. They traversed the infiltration route taken by the 6th Rangers to Cabanatuan, retraced segments of the harrowing Bataan Death March, visited Corregidor Island, and paid their respects at the Clark Veterans and Manila American cemeteries, where thousands of fallen soldiers rest.
At the site of the Cabanatuan Prison Camp, the former Rangers held solemn memorial services. Alongside Philippine Scout Rangers—the modern successors of the World War II guerrillas who aided the original mission—they reflected on the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war. A particularly poignant moment was shared with Paul O’Connell, son of Cabanatuan rescuer Lt. William O’Connell, a platoon leader in the 6th Ranger Battalion. Paul O’Connell shared that he did not know that his father was part of the Raid at Cabanatuan until after his father’s death.
Facing Challenges
This journey was not undertaken lightly. Participants, ranging in age and experience, faced physical and emotional challenges. Retired Command Sgts. Maj. Mike Hall and Hugh Roberts, both 67, completed every event and movement, exemplifying the enduring spirit of the Ranger community. Despite physical strain and gastrointestinal issues, no one wavered, drawing strength from the memory of the prisoners of Cabanatuan and the Rangers who risked everything to save them.
As the team moved through villages, it was met with cheers and gratitude from the Filipino people. Each step was a reaffirmation of the team members’ commitment to honor the past and ensure that the stories of bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten.
At the Pampanga River, the team re-created a river crossing from the 1945 raid. Standing in the same waters, they felt the weight of history, a tangible connection to the courage and determination of those who had crossed before them. This act was more than symbolic; it was a reaffirmation of their dedication to preserving the legacy of the 6th Ranger Battalion.
At the site of the Cabanatuan Prison Camp, which now includes a memorial, during a sunset ceremony, the team chose reflection over reenactment. Instead of replicating the 800-meter low crawl executed by the original force to maintain surprise, they stood in contemplative silence. This moment underscored the journey’s purpose: not merely to remember, but to understand and convey why these historical events remain relevant today.
During the opening ceremony, Paul O’Connell shared his insights about his father. His words resonated deeply: “You might not want to tell your story, but others want to hear it.”
This sentiment struck at the heart of the journey’s mission. For too long, the ethos of the “quiet professional” has led many in the special operations community to withhold their stories. Yet, silence can lead to the fading of invaluable lessons and legacies. By sharing these narratives, the legacy of those who served is honored, while wisdom and inspiration are passed on to future generations.
The story of Cabanatuan does not end in the jungles of Luzon. It lives on—in the ethos of today’s Rangers, in the hearts of the families who lost their loved ones and in every American who believes in honor, sacrifice and the duty to remember.
Living Reminder
As the return journey to Cabanatuan unfolded, it became evident that this was not merely a look back at history; it was a living reminder of what service truly means. History is not something to be archived—it is something to be carried forward.
The Raid at Cabanatuan wasn’t just a rescue mission; it was a declaration. It said to the world, and especially to the enemy, that no one would be left behind. That message still matters today, in a world where the sacrifices of the few can so easily be overshadowed by the noise of the many.
The rescuers who walked that ground in 1945 were not seeking glory. They were answering a call—one that echoed in the hearts of the men who retraced their steps in January. From the youngest Ranger on the journey to the most seasoned veteran, each one carried the same burden: to remember, to honor and to preserve.
And just like those who went before them, they didn’t do it alone.
Coming Together
The strength of this mission was not just in the individuals who took part, but in the unity it inspired. Rangers stood shoulder to shoulder with Special Forces veterans, Philippine Scout Rangers, local community members and descendants of the heroes whose footsteps they now walked in.
That spirit of international and intergenerational cooperation serves as a powerful reminder: Strength is found in remembrance and in recognizing connection to something greater.
At each cemetery, memorial and former battlefield, the team carried not just the weight of the mission, but also the responsibility of legacy. They represented the men who couldn’t return—the ones who never made it home. These are the stories at risk of being forgotten unless the choice is made to tell them.
Visual Retelling
This journey, and the stories within it, are being brought to life in a feature documentary film titled Journey to Cabanatuan, slated for release in 2026.
This film not only will serve as a visual retelling of the journey, but also as a living archive—a way to ensure that the courage of the 6th Ranger Battalion and the enduring strength of today’s Rangers are never lost to time.
The film is being produced by Legends of the 75th and Studio No. 237, supported by the Witness to War Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the stories of combat veterans. Legends of the 75th was founded by the author of this article; it is a platform focused on preserving Ranger history and fostering community through film, podcasts and mentorship.
We live in a world where history is often condensed into headlines, statistics or textbooks. But there are some stories that demand more. They demand to be walked, felt and shared, because their lessons are timeless.
Cabanatuan is one of those stories.
It teaches us that courage doesn’t come from strength alone, but from conviction. It teaches us that freedom isn’t free—and never has been. And it reminds us that true leadership is found in those willing to risk everything for someone else.
As the final steps of the journey were taken, and as the sun set over the camp that once held hundreds of American prisoners of war, the mission felt complete—but not finished.
Because preserving history is never done. It is an ongoing promise. And for Rangers, a promise is sacred.
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Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Burke, U.S. Army retired, served 25 years, retiring in March 2023 as command sergeant major of the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, Fort Benning, Georgia. He served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the founder of Legends of the 75th.