They were officially the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), a long-range penetration force made up of men who had volunteered for a dangerous mission "somewhere." They soon became famous as "Merrill's Marauders," named after their commanding officer, General Frank D. Merrill (right). LIFE photographer Bernard Hoffman was along to record some of their mission.
   Part of their story was told in the June 26, 1944 issue of LIFE magazine article, "U.S. Foot Soldiers in Burma." Only a few of the photos Bernard Hoffman took were used in the article, the rest are shown below, from the LIFE Photo Collection at Google Arts & Culture.