Brigadier general William Orlando Darby, born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is best known for his organization of the 1st Ranger Battalion during World War II.
Darby attended Belle Grove School through the sixth grade and then went to Fort Smith Senior High School. After his graduation in 1929, he received an appointment to West Point Military Academy, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science on June. 13,1933. Later Darby was chosen to organize and train military forces, and the 1st United States Army Ranger Battalion was set up on July 9,1942. They carried out a number of successful night attacks.
When Robinson E. Duff, assistant division commander of the l0th Mountain Division, was wounded, Darby volunteered to take the place of him and led the 10th Mountain Division during the advance on Lake Garda. On April 30,1945, he was in the process of outlining plans for the next day when an explosion near his location took place, and he was unfortunately hit dead. He received a promotion to brigadier general on May 15,1945, the only soldier to receive such a promotion after his death.
General Lucian K. Truscott said of Darby following his death. “Never have I seen a more heroic officer.” And General George S. Patton called Darby, “The bravest man I have ever known.”
Darby received many awards, including two Distinguished Service Crosses and the British Distinguished Service Order. Darby’s life is celebrated in many ways. Named after him was the USNS General William O. Darby, a U.S. Army troopship, which is now retired, as well as streets in many places. Cistera, Italy, has a Darby School, and in his hometown of Fort Smith, the sister city to Cistema, the senior high school he attended is now called the William O. Darby Junior High. Many army posts have training or airfields named after him.
Darby was originally buried in a military cemetery (墓地) outside Cisterna, Italy, but on March 11, 1949, his body was returned to Arkansas and buried at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, just few blocks from his boyhood home. In 2016, a statue of Darby was put up in Cisterna Park in Fort Smith.
4. Which of the statements is true about Darby?
A.He was appointed to replace Duff. |
B.He was killed in an explosion by design. |
C.He graduated with a Bachelor of Military. |
D.He wasn’t promoted to brigadier general when alive. |
5. Which words can best describe Darby?
A.Generous and humorous. | B.Capable and responsible. |
C.Admirable but unsociable. | D.Intelligent but discontented. |
6. Why did the author mention Truscott’s and Patton’s words?
A.To let us learn from Darby. | B.To offer care to Darby. |
C.To show gratitude to Darby. | D.To think highly of Darby. |
7. What does paragraph 5 mainly talk about?
A.Ways of honoring Darby. |
B.Benefits of using Darby’s name. |
C.Contributions Darby made to the army. |
D.Educational experiences Darby went through. |