An Unforgettable Conversation: Remembering “Billy” Darby

associazionebenach
Nov 6
3 min read

Yesterday, history came alive in a way none of us will forget.

For our upcoming doc, With Love, Billy, dedicated to Brigadier General William O. Darby, we recorded an extraordinary interview with Mrs. Zoe Ann Batten (102) — who knew Darby simply as “Billy,” the boy next door in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Mrs. Zoe Ann Batten and her daughter's, Sarah batten Lourn (L), and Sally Batten Haislip (R)

📍 Fort Smith Museum of History

🌍 Connected live with Nago–Torbole, Italy

She remembered the small things — the things that tell you who someone really was:

“He once gave me an ice cream for shining his shoes.”

“His mother always had cookies and hugs for everyone.”

These were not stories of a hero on the battlefield, not the legend.

Just Billy — a kind neighbor with a good heart.

Why This Matters

William O. Darby is remembered as:

Founder of the U.S. Army Rangers
A leader of courage, loyalty, and initiative
A symbol of the bonds between Italy and the United States during WWII

But before all of this,he was a son, a friend, a neighbor, a young man from Fort Smith.

With Love, Billy is a documentary that seeks to bring that man back into view.

About the documentary

🎬 With Love, Billy follows Darby’s story from Fort Smith to Northern Italy, exploring:

His early life and values
His leadership and legacy
How communities like Torbole and Cisterna di Latina continue to honor him today

Watch the trailer:

👉 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=guQeuXPngf0

Directed by Elena Goatelli & Ángel EstebanProduced by Associazione Benàch (Historical Research 1914–1945)Executive Producers: Matteo Gentilini • Ben Appleby • Antonella Previdi

Filming and conversation begin via zoom. The wonders of tech brought eras and countries together.

How You Can Support the Film

With Love, Billy is currently in production.We are continuing interviews, archival research, translation, and post-production work across two continents.

To complete the film, we are seeking:

Individual donors (your name listed in the film credits)
Ranger and Veteran organization partners
Company sponsors (logo included in selected promotional materials & screenings)

👉 Contribute here:https://gofund.me/b004812c

For sponsorship or partnership inquiries:associazionebenach@gmail.com

Sister Cities in Action

Yesterday was one of those moments where you feel what Sister Cities really mean — not just on paper, but between people.

Sally Batten Hailslip showing the film crew an original brick from the original Fort Smith High, the future Darby Jr. High (Darby Middle School).

Acknowledgements

• Mrs. Zoe Ann Batten, and her daughters Sarah and Sally, for gifting us your memories and warmth.

• Caroline Speir and the entire Fort Smith Museum of History team, for opening the museum archives and your hearts — and to the excellent technical team who helped connect us across the ocean.

Fort Smith and Nago–Torbole Two communities. One shared story.

To the Ranger Community

This documentary is being made with respect for the legacy you uphold.

Rangers Lead the Way!