William Orlando Darby, Class of 1933, will be recognized for his many contributions to the U. S. Army and in particular for his formation and leadership of the first Army Ranger Battalions to be activated during World War II. BG Darby received many awards including two Distinguished Service Crosses, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, three Purple Hearts, as well as the British Distinguished Service Order.
A new statue in his honor is to be unveiled in his hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 2016 after funding has been completed. This statue in the local Cisterna Park will depict BG Darby on his typical mode of transportation while checking on his Ranger Battalions in North Africa and Italy – a 1942 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Those interested in more information on BG William O. Darby and this memorial monument can visit the website for the project or contact the local project manager Liz Armstrong at (479) 561-0493.