Though tens of thousands of Americans served in the China-Burma-India Theater, only a fraction were combat troops on the front line. These were the men of the 5307th Composite Unit, known by their nickname Merrill’s Marauders. Led by their commander Brigadier General Frank Merrill, the Marauders were formed as a long-range penetration jungle warfare unit.
During General Stilwell’s campaign to reopen the land supply route to China, the Marauders played a key role. They were sent on missions deep behind enemy lines in order to facilitate the seizure of key points by the main body of Stilwell’s forces. The Marauders’ mission began with a 1,000-mile walk through dense jungle, without artillery support, into Burma. They had to carry their supplies on their backs and on pack mules, and were resupplied only with airdrops in the middle of the jungle. Merrill’s Marauders succeeded in maneuvering behind much larger Japanese forces to cause the disruptions necessary to throw the enemy into confusion.
After a grueling mountain march, the remaining Marauders, along with elements of the 42nd and 150th Chinese infantry regiments, took the Myitkyina airfield in Burma by surprise. This paved the way for the fall of Myitkyina and the reopening of the land route to China. After the battle, the 5307thwas disbanded due to grievous losses from battle injuries and sickness. Out of 2,997, only 130 combat-effective officers and men remained (Romanus).
July 18, 1944 At the front line position, before actually battling, the officers of the Chinese and US troops were discussing tactics with General Stilwell. Photo by U.S.Army Signal Corps with the approval from the public information department, US Department of Defense
This Chinese soldier, age 10, with heavy pack, is a member of an army division boarding a plane returning them to China, following the capture of Myitkyina airfield, Burma, under the allied command of US Major General Frank Merrill, May 1944. Chinese and allied troops had earlier crossed through the treacherous jungle of the Kumon Bum Mountains before attacking Japanese troops to the south. Exhaustion and disease led to the early evacuation of many Chinese and allied troops before the coming assault on Myitkyina town. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
A US Soldier Comforting His Chinese Brother-in-arms 美军士兵慰问中国战友 March 31, 1944 An American soldier bent and lit the cigarette for a injured Chinese. The China-US joint force was like a sharp fork into the Japanese forces and drove the enemies out of the strategically important Hukwang Valley.
April 28, 1944 Burma Captain Bernard Martin from the Rhode Island and a Chinese soldier, both from the 5307 Composite Unit were checking each other’s guns. The location is near Nhpum in Burma. Photo by Wayne A.Martin from the U.S.Army Signal Corps
Stilwell at Myitkyina Airfield soon after the combined force of Merrill’s Marauders and Chinese troops had captured it. On the right is Colonel Hunter of the Marauders. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Man-sized tea cups practically hide map which is planned Myitkyina movements. From left; Col. Joseph W. Stilwell, Jr.; General Stil"; Genral Hu Su, commander Chinese 30th Division; Col. Yang Yee, commander Chinese 88th Regiment. Source: National Archives and Records Administration via http://forwhattheygaveonsaturdayafternoon.com/photos/y87.jpg
American troops of Merrill's Marauders and the Chinese march side by side down the Ledo Road. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Troops take a break during a march on the Ledo Road. March 1944. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
Troops of B Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit crossing a bridge over Chindwin River in Northern Burma. Source: National Archives and Records Administration
