Darby's Rangers: We Led the Way

by William O. Darby

The exciting true story of a legendary leader and the men who fought by his side in World War II, told in his own words

From the moment they hit the beaches in North Africa to their last desperate struggle at Anzio, Darby’s Rangers asked for only one thing in World War II—the chance to fight. Experts at amphibious landings, night attacks, and close combat, the Rangers were the spearhead advancing U.S. forces. And at their helm was William O. Darby, a forceful, charismatic man who inspired, and was inspired by, his troops. Against overwhelming odds in Tunisia, through the concentrated hell at Gela, on to the final kill at Messina and the Italian mainland, Darby and his Rangers led the way. Darby’s Rangers is an authentic war story, as vivid as the action itself.

“Proud reading . . . of value to a new generation of military historians and ‘battle buffs.’”— Military Affairs Magazine

Genres: History, World War II, Biography, War, Military History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[John Nevola · Rating 5 out of 5]

William O. Darby was plucked from the infantry to form, train and lead an experimental unit along the lines of the British Commandos. Eschewing the copycat title American Commandos, he sought a name more uniquely American and decided upon Rangers, a name descendant from Roger's Rangers from the French and Indian War. Major (at the time) Darby formed the 1st Ranger Battalion and so began the legend of the famed U.S. Army Rangers in World War II.

Darby didn't survive the War but his exploits as commanding officer of the Rangers were dictated to a friend and West Point classmate, William H. Baumer, in May of 1944. Within these words Darby described the formation of the Ranger Force (the 1st, 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions) and its contribution in North Africa, Sicily and Italy where it was virtually wiped out by a German Panzer Division near the town of Cisterna.
What Darby proved was that if highly motivated and physically fit men were trained to a razor's edge, there is nothing they could not accomplish. His experiment led to the formation of the 2nd, 5th and 6th Ranger Battalions, the first two being instrumental in the Normandy Invasion.

After many years, Baumer was successful in editing the manuscript and getting this book published. This book is an important piece of history as it was fortuitous to capture Darby's recollections before the War claimed his life. The additional comments of the men he commanded add much to commentary Darby left behind.
For an inspirational look at the origin of one of the best elite fighting forces in history, We Led The Way is a must read.

[Iain · Rating 2 out of 5]

A solid narrative, but limited as a creature of its time. Written during World War II and in a somewhat propagandistic manner, the account is at times superficial. The editor tells us it was originally intended to be released during the war.

Most notably, Darby tells us a great deal about what was going on in Cisterna, without having been in Cisterna, when what we would have loved is for him to honestly tell us what _he felt_ about Cisterna where his command lost all but 6 out of 760 men.

Unfortunately, this edition had spelling and fact checking errors as well, referring to "American savor" when it must mean "flavor" as an example. However, the final chapter's contention that the guns on Pointe du Hoc were situated "in the center of Omaha Beach" is so obviously wrong to anyone familiar with D-Day that it calls into question everything earlier in the book. That the narrative keeps calling it Pointe du Hoe ... just adds insult to injury.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great and more informative than the movie by the same name. The movie could have added more from the book.

[Paul Eberhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid first person memoir of an American treasure.

[Misty Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like war stories. I had to read this because Darby was a hometown hero. My middle school is named after him DARBY RANGERS. There is a statue of him in my hometown downtown. He’s buried in the national cemetery there too. So naturally I had to read this. Very interesting to say the least. It had alot of war equipment I’m not familiar with. For instance, it mentioned BATTERIES. Here I am thinking of gigantic batteries. I’m not a war combat person. I’ve never been in the military so what do I know lol. However, I did enjoy reading about my hometown hero.

[William Pontarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

When utilized correctly Rangers were the tip of the spear. Incredible feats of courage.