Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Darby Field
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 6, 2012
1. Darby Field Marker
Named in honor of
Brigadier General William O. Darby, U.S.Army
Killed in action
1945
Erected June 1979
By his West Point classmates, USMA 1933
And the William O. Darby Ranger Memorial Foundation
To honor his leadership and courage as
Ranger Force founder and commander
And his inspiration to all Americans
As the foremost Ranger of his time.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 34° 0.359′ N, 80° 56.893′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. Marker is on Jackson Boulevard near Dearing Loop, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3319 Jackson Blvd, Columbia SC 29207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 108th Division (within shouting distance of this marker); 26th Inf Division (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 4th Infantry Division (approx. 0.2 miles away); 30th Inf Division (approx. 0.3 miles away); 100th Inf Division (approx. 0.4 miles away); 31st Inf Division (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bridge at Remagen Stone (approx. 0.4
this page online
Also see . . .
1. William O. Darby. “Darby's Rangers” trained with their British counterparts in Scotland and in 1943, the 1st Ranger Battalion made its first assault at Arzew,Algeria.
On 30 April 1945, while Darby was issuing orders for the attack on Trento (Italy) to cut off a German retreat, an 88 mm shell burst in the middle of the assembled officers and NCOs, killing Darby and a sergeant and wounding several others. Relying on the inspiration of their late commander, “Task Force Darby” continued on with their mission. Two days later, on 2 May 1945, all German forces in Italy surrendered. (Submitted on September 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Darby''s Rangers. The First Ranger Battalion and its offspring, the Third and Fourth Battalions, experienced a rare partnership where both officers and enlisted men trained, fought and died together. (Submitted on September 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Darby's
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 6, 2012
2. Darby Field Marker seen along Jackson Blvd.
In 1958 the motion picture Darby's Rangers, starring James Garner dramatized Darby's military exploits.
— Submitted September 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 6, 2012
3. Darby Field
Commander of Darby's Rangers,
The first Ranger Battalion.
Killed in action on 30 April 1945 and promoted
posthumously to the rank of Brigadier General.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 6, 2012
4. Darby Field
Photographed By US Army
5. William O. Darby
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,144 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on September 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
