After the success of 1st Ranger Battalion in the North Africa campaign, the Army saw the merit in small special operations units.

[1] Much like their predecessor, 4th Ranger Battalion had a strict training regimen, directed by William Orlando Darby.

Passing along the lessons taught by the British 3 Commando Brigade, the Rangers engaged in rough training, including live-fire exercises (an uncommon practice at the time).

Major Roy Murray took command of the Rangers as they prepared for their first mission.

On 10 July 1943, 4th Battalion, along with 1st and 3rd spearheaded Seventh Army's Amphibious Battle of Gela and Licata, beginning the Allied invasion of Sicily.