WE LED THE WAY: DARBY'S RANGERS. by Darby, William O. and Baumer, William H - 1980

San Rafael, California: Presidio, 1980. 198 pp, large 8vo (9 1/4" H). B&w photographs, maps/battle plans. "The heroism of William Darby and his Rangers in World War II has become legend. Experts at amphibious landings, night attacks, and close combat, they led the assaulting troops in the initial North Africa landings, fought in Tunisia, landed through concentrated hell at Gela, and were in on the final kill at Messina. At Sorrento they stood off forces that outnumbered them by at least eight to one, and they spearheaded the desperate struggle at Anzio. This is Darby's own story of those climactic days, as dictated, just a few months before his death, to his friend General William H. Baumer. Baumer has added background information about the war and on Darby's life, plus a summary of the exploits of other Ranger units. Darby was a combat leader in the highest tradition of the United States Army - a forceful, charismatic man who inspired loyalty and in turn gave loyalty to his troops. He refused battlefield promotions three times in order to stay with his Rangers. During his colorful and brilliant career, he received ten high military decorations, and was posthumously promoted to brigadier general." Faint erased pencil marks on front free endpaper, very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine, tiny scuff on inside edge of rear board. Dust jacket is price-clipped, has light rubbing, one 1" tear archivally taped, very light edge wear/wrinkling at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds.. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good.