West Point Year Book William Orlando Darby was born Feb 9, 1911 in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. to Percy William & Nellie Gertrude Hogan Darby. "Billie" Darby graduated from Fort Smith High School. Lt. William Orlando Darby graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1933. from Find A Grave...... United States Army Brigadier General. Renown for commanding "Darby's Rangers" in World War II, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1933. By October 1940 he had achieved the rank of Captain. Early in World War II he had served in staff positions but in early 1942 he was assigned to form a unit that bore the title "Rangers" based on the British model. He led "Darby's Rangers" with the rank of Colonel in North Africa, Sicily and Anzio as well as other actions. His awards included the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Medal, and others. On April 30, 1945, while serving with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy he was killed by an artillery burst. He was posthumously awarded the rank of Brigadier General. ......Bio by: Steve Dunn An more extensive bio can be found HERE Lt. Darby with the 82nd Field Artillery, Commanding Officer, on Jun 22, 1935 married Miss Natalie Shaw in El Paso. Texas. El Paso Herald Post May 30, 1935