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- A Brief History
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The Last Battle of Gen. William Orlando Darby
by Steven L. OssadAs an Army Major in 1942, Darby was selected to create and lead the first designated 1st Ranger Battalion activated on June 19, 1942. On November 8, 1942, he led his unit into combat for the first time during Operation Torch in North Africa. Later he would distinguish himself again by leading his Rangers on July 10, 1943 during an amphibious assault onto Gela, Sicily during Operation Husky.
On January 30-31, 1944, Darby's Ranger Force mission was to infiltrate the town of Cisterna and clear the Conca-Cisterna road during a nighttime preparatory attack. Due to faulty intelligence, they were overwhelmed and outnumbered, causing the 1st and 3rd Ranger battalions to suffer (12 killed, 36 wounded, 743 captured) and only six Rangers made it back to friendly lines.
On February 19, 1944, the Rangers were disbanded. Approximately 150 returned to the United States while 400 were permanently transferred to the Canadian-American First Special Service Force.
In April 1944, after having been promoted to Colonel, Darby returned to Washington D.C. for duty with the Army Ground Forces and later with the War Department General Staff. In March 1945, he returned to Italy for an observation tour with the General of the Army, Henry H. "Hap" Arnold.
On April 23, 1945, Brigadier General Robinson E. Duff, assistant division commander of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division, was wounded and Darby took over for Duff. "Task Force Darby" spearheaded the breakout of the 5th Army from the Po River Valley bridgehead and reached Torbole at the head of Lake Garda.
But on April 30, 1945, while Darby was issuing orders for the attack on Trento to cut off a German retreat, a single German 88mm artillery shell burst in the middle of the assembled officers and NCOs, killing Darby and a regimental Sergeant Major, Jon "Tim" Evans and wounding several others.
While "Task Force Darby" continued on with their mission, two days later on May 2, 1945, all German forces in Italy surrendered. It was on May 15, 1945 that Darby was posthumously promoted to brigadier general.
The 40 Mile Ranger Challenge
Every April a 40 Mile Ranger Challenge is held along the shores of Lake Garda in Italy. Beginning as Pechiera, the Ranger Challenge heads from the southeastern tip of this gorgeous lake, winding along the shoreline, and finishing in Torbole sul Garda.
The 40 Mile Ranger Challenge is held in memory of Col. William O. Darby (founder of the American Rangers) who died in Torbole on April 30, 1945. It is also held in memory of the 10th Mountain Division who liberated the towns on the eastern shore of Lake Garda.
This challenge is held on or around April 30th (dates subject to change) and typically begins in the early hours of the morning.
Please note:
The information presented on this page is solely for informational purposes and does not imply support or endorsement by US Army Garrison Italy or USAG Italy Family and MWR.
How To Register
Registration for the race runs through Rick Tscherne, the private coordinator of this event.
For the next 40 Miler date or to register for the event, reach out to: usarmypocdarby40@gmail.com.
Please Note:
Outdoor Recreation often coordinates transportation to/from this event at a small charge. Reach out to them directly at the POC information above to find out about transportation options for the next 40 Miler.
