Ranger Infantry Company of the Korean War

Ranger Hall of Fame

MAJOR CHARLES L. CARRIER

Ranger Charles Carrier, the commander of the 1st Ranger Infantry Co (Airborne) in Korea, was captured by enemy forces May 1951 after completing a mission. This was during the “May Massacre”, in which a large enemy force of several armies attacked the 2nd Inf. Div among others. In captivity, the enemy wanted to humiliate this Ranger officer and find out information about Ranger operations. Ranger Carrier initially escaped, but was recaptured, and placed in the “HOLE,” a famous torture/holding area for prisoners. Ranger Carrier knew his fellow Soldiers were pulling for him and he didn’t want to let them down. Ranger Carrier died as a POW September 30, 1951. Prior to his death, he refused to lie down and quit, and was quoted “I may die, but I will not give up”. In 2005, a witness said, “imagine 50 years ago, as prisoners, we were down, vulnerable, and we prayed. Then we see this Ranger officer, solid as a rock, under repetitive torture and humiliation. He lifted our spirit. We drew strength from his strength, and we too became more courageous to overcome our fear”. Ranger Carrier experienced a torturous ordeal as a POW. He provided tremendous inspiration and energy to those prisoners around him to survive the terrible months ahead. He left a secure army position, his family, and volunteered for combat with the Rangers to serve his country. He set the example and in true Ranger fashion never quit and always led the way.