U.S. Ranger officer refuses promotion
By Harold V. Boyle, representing combined U.S. press
With the U.S. 7th Army, southern Sicily, Italy (UP) – (July 15, delayed)
Lt. Col. William O. Darby, leader of the U.S. Rangers, accepted a Distinguished Service Cross from Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, but refused a full colonelcy and command of an infantry combat team.
For the third time, Col. Darby, from Fort Smith, Arkansas, turned down such an offer yesterday because it might take him from the Rangers who idolize him.
The DSC was awarded for his work at Gela. His men captured 600 prisoners. Col. Darby and 18 Rangers cornered 52 Italian officers in one hotel and went in after them with hand grenades and automatics. The surviving Italians came out with their hands up.