WILLIAM O. DARBY

The statistical review of Bill's military service marks only the beginning of the far-reaching effects of this legendary, restless, ranging spirit who truly came to life after his heart was pierced by a shrapnel shard at Lake Garda In northern Italy. Previously wounded three times, he fell heir to his own prediction about Jim Dalton: "He should stay out of combat. He's used up his luck. (Made to Gen. Lincoln in OPD on Dalton's promotion to general.)          •

Bill's "life• really began with the organization during World War II of "Darby's Rangers", in which he re-kindled the spirit of the storied Rogers' Rangers of the French and Indian Wars and their success against overwhelming odds. Because of Darby, that spirit lives on in our national heritage. Today, many thousands of proud soldiers wear the Ranger patch, attesting to mastery of the exceedingly tough training he developed, so basic to his Rangers' success.

Ranger veterans' organizations keep alive their days of pride and glory. And Bill lives on in them, in the Darby Ranger Memorial Foundation in his hometown of Fort Smith. He is honored at Army establishments with plaques, training areas, and statues. Many volumes have been written about him. He, indeed, Justified his 1943 selection by the National Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of America's ten outstanding young men.

To his Rangers, "the Colonel" was a deity, He was always ·up front where the action was". He dared anything, and never asked a soldier to do anything he could not or would not do himself. In turn, to Darby, the Rangers were the "family" he longed for and never had. Each heroic exploit of a Ranger was that of a ·son". That is why today the Ranger "family" spirit lives on in the many organizations which carry his name.

To his superiors, Darby was a brilliant leader - one of the Army's most seasoned combat commanders whose personal heroism was largely responsible for his many startling victories. LTG Lucian Truscott stated it succinctly: "Never in this war have I known a more gallant, heroic officer.·

As long as Ranger tactics are taught to the U.S. Army, and emulated by other countries, Darby and his Rangers will live.