On 1 April 1943 the 2nd Ranger Battalion was formed at Camp Forrest, Tennessee along with the 5th Ranger Battalion. Both battalions were officially activated in September 1943 and shipped to Great Britain where they were prepared for Operation Overlord.

On 6 June 1944, Dog, Easy, and Fox Companies, commanded by Lt. Colonel James Rudder, landed at Pointe du Hoc from LCA landing craft and specially modified DUKW "Ducks" operated by the Royal Navy. 225 Rangers set off from Britain to launch an assault upon the Pointe, a cliff overlooking the English Channel.

In order to over-strength the 2nd Battalion, members of what was formerly the 29th Rangers were assigned here as well. Unfortunately, various landing craft containing supplies and Rangers capsized in the stormy waters. Many of those Rangers drowned due to heavy equipment, but those that were saved were hoisted into other DUKWs and participated in the attack.

The Rangers were due to land at the base of the cliffs at 0600 hours (6:00 am), but, due to a navigation error, landed nearly an hour late. This mistake cost several Ranger lives and the element of surprise. During the attack, the 190 remaining Rangers scaled the cliffs utilizing rope ladders; however, only 90 Rangers were still able to bear arms after two days of relentless fighting. During the assault, 2nd Battalion managed to disable a battery of 155mm French artillery pieces captured by the Germans, which was their primary objective.

These guns were to be aimed at Utah Beach; however, Ranger heroics prevented their usage, saving countless American lives on the shores of Normandy. Meanwhile Able, Baker and Charlie Companies landed along with the 5th Rangers, the 1st Infantry Division and the 29th Infantry Division at Omaha Beach. They suffered heavy casualties but were still able to complete their D-Day objectives.

The 2nd Rangers were later involved in the Battle for Brest and the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. The battalion was deactivated after the war together with the 5th and 6th Battalion.