Death
On 30 April 1945, while Darby was issuing orders for the attack on Trento 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.
Darby, who was 34 at the time of his death, was posthumously promoted to brigadier general as of that date. He was buried at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
He died on the same day as Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun.
Read more about this topic: William Orlando Darby
Famous quotes containing the word death:
“One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And Death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die!”
—John Donne (c. 15721631)
“As for death one gets used to it, even if its only other peoples death you get used to.”
—Enid Bagnold (18891981)
“Within the hollow crown
That rounds the mortal temples of a king
Keeps Death his court, and there the antic sits,
Scoffing his state and mocking at his pomp,
Allowing him a breath, a little scene,
To monarchize, be feared, and kill with looks.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)