Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second DSC Award: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while commanding the 1st Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces in July 1943, in Sicily. On the morning of ** July 1943, the enemy, using both infantry and armored units, launched a counter attack on ****, Sicily, which had been captured by the Rangers under Colonel Darby’s command. Colonel Darby personally led his men in repulsing the attack by the skillful employment of hand grenades, rifles and rocket launchers. Always in the forefront, inspiring and encouraging his men, Colonel Darby, with the use of one 37-mm. gun which he personally manned, managed not only to repulse the attack, but succeeded with this inadequate weapon in destroying one of the tanks while two others were accounted for by well-directed hand grenade fire. On the ** of July 1943, his outstanding leadership and fearlessness was again manifested when he led his Rangers in repelling three counter attacks, knocking out four Mark VI tanks and capturing over 3,000 prisoners. By his splendid leadership and bravery beyond the call of duty, Colonel Darby was in the greatest degree responsible for deflecting the most serious threat facing by our invading forces. His gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Darby was KIA on 30 April1945 and is buried in Fort Smith, AR.