William Orlando Darby (February 8, 1911 - April 30, 1945) was a United States Army colonel, known as the "Father of American Rangers." He established the first official U.S. Army Ranger unit during World War II, pioneering American special operations forces. Born in Anniston, Alabama, Darby graduated from West Point in 1933. His Rangers distinguished themselves in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy campaigns. On April 30, 1945, he was killed in action near Bologna, Italy, at age 34. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Darby's legacy continues through the U.S. Army Rangers, making him a foundational figure in American military history.
