General William O. Darby Birthday Celebration with Fort Smith Museum of History
by January 31, 2013 12:46 pm 108 views
General William O. Darby
Birthday Celebration
Fort Smith Museum of History
Friday, February 8, 2013
12:00-2:00 p. m.
The Fort Smith Museum of History will celebrate the birthday of native son and World War II hero General William Orlando Darby. Born in Fort Smith on February 8, 1911, Darby graduated from Fort Smith High School and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. General Darby is well known as leader of the Darby’s Rangers during World War II. Darby’s Rangers distinguished themselves in combat from North Africa the Europe. Darby was killed in action on April 30, 1945 at Torbole, Italy. During his career Darby received three Purple Hearts, two Distinguished Service Crosses, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Russian Order of Kutuzov and the French Croix de Guerre.
Join the museum on Friday, February 8, 2013, 12:00 – 2:00 p. m. for birthday cake and punch in the museum’s soda fountain. Visitors may visit the Brigadier General William O. Darby Memorial Room and view a video on General Darby in the Griffin Theater sponsored by the Fort Smith Historical Society. Join the museum for a special 12:30 announcement regarding a statue of General Darby planned for down town Fort Smith.
The event is free and open to all. For more information, contact the Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, 479-783-7841, www.fortsmithmuseum.com
Leisa Gramlich
Executive Director
Fort Smith Museum of History
320 Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72901
479-783-7841
Fax: 479-783-3244