Robert V. Darnell

PFC Robert V. Darnell
351 INF REG - 88th INF DIV
Dec. 1, 1924 - Jan. 14, 1944

Robert Victor Darnell was born on December 1, 1924, in Champaign, Ohio. At the time of his birth, his father, Clifford, was 59, and his mother, Della, was 38. He had two brothers and one sister.

In 1925, Charles and Della Darnell moved from Champaign County, Ohio, to Cimarron, Kansas, where they purchased and operated the Carter Hotel. Sadly, Mr. Darnell passed away ten years later, on May 22, 1934. Despite this loss, Mrs. Darnell continued running the hotel until December of 1961. Robert grew up in Cimarron, attended Cimarron Schools, and graduated from Cimarron High School with the Class of 1942.

Tragically, PFC Robert Darnell died on January 14, 1944, at the age of 19, and was buried in Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia.

Robert V Darnell was serving his country during World War II when he lost his life. He had enlisted in the United States Army and held the rank of Private First Class. Service number assignment was 37501499. He was attached to 88th Infantry Division, 351st Infantry Regiment. We do not know exactly what happened. We do know that during his service in World War II, Army Private First Class Darnell experienced a critical situation which ultimately resulted in loss of life on January 14, 1944.

On January 14, 1944, the 351st Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army’s 88th Infantry Division was stationed in North Africa, specifically in Algeria, as part of its preparation for combat operations in the Italian Campaign during World War II. At this time, the regiment was engaged in intensive training exercises in the mountainous terrain near Magenta, Algeria. These exercises included physical conditioning, mountain climbing, night maneuvers, patrolling, and small-unit tactical problems to prepare the troops for the challenges they would face in Italy.

The 88th Infantry Division, known as the “Blue Devils,” had arrived in North Africa in December 1943 and was undergoing rigorous training to acclimate to the terrain and conditions they would encounter on the Italian front. The division’s focus during this period was on building combat readiness and cohesion among its units, including the 351st Infantry.

It wasn’t until February 1944 that the 88th Infantry Division began moving to Italy, with the 351st Infantry Regiment participating in operations such as the Anzio campaign and the push towards Rome later that year.

A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE U.S. ARMY'S 351st INF REG, 88TH INF DIV

The 351st Infantry Regiment, part of the U.S. Army’s 88th Infantry Division—nicknamed the “Blue Devils”—played a significant role in the Italian Campaign during World War II.

Formation and Training

The regiment was activated on July 15, 1942, at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, under the leadership of Colonel Arthur S. Champeny. Composed primarily of draftees from across the United States, the 351st underwent rigorous training, including participation in the Louisiana Maneuvers in 1943, to prepare for combat operations.

Deployment to Italy

In December 1943, the 88th Infantry Division arrived in North Africa and subsequently moved to Italy in early 1944. The 351st Infantry Regiment entered the front lines near Monte Cassino in February 1944, marking the beginning of its active combat role.

Combat Operations

The 351st participated in several key operations throughout the Italian Campaign:

Rome-Arno Campaign (June 1944): The regiment advanced through central Italy, contributing to the liberation of Rome on June 4, 1944.

North Apennines Campaign (September–October 1944): The 351st engaged in intense fighting to breach the Gothic Line, a major German defensive position.

Po Valley Campaign (April 1945): In the final offensive, the regiment crossed the Po River and advanced into the Alps, leading to the surrender of German forces in Italy on May 2, 1945.

Throughout these campaigns, the 351st demonstrated exceptional valor, with its 2nd and 3rd Battalions receiving Presidential Unit Citations for their actions at Mt. Capello and Laiatico, respectively.

Post-War Service

After World War II, the 351st Infantry Regiment was assigned to the Free Territory of Trieste as part of the Trieste United States Troops (TRUST) from 1947 to 1954. In this capacity, the regiment served as a peacekeeping force during the early Cold War period, managing tensions between Italy and Yugoslavia.