"With Love, Billy": A Story of Service, Sacrifice, and the Letters Left Behind
In the quiet spaces between deployments, amid the uncertainty of war, there are letters. Handwritten notes sent home from the front lines, packed with love, courage, and glimpses of a life interrupted by duty. The documentary With Love, Billy takes us deep into the heart of one such story — the life and legacy of William O. Darby, a U.S. Army Ranger whose words live on long after his final mission.
This powerful film isn’t just about one soldier — it’s about all who serve and the families who carry their stories. At its core, With Love, Billy is a documentary about human connection in the face of unimaginable sacrifice. Through Darby’s letters, the audience is given an intimate view of a young man’s love for his family, devotion to his brothers-in-arms, and unwavering belief in service above self.
The documentary beautifully weaves personal reflections, interviews, and archival footage, allowing viewers to walk alongside Billy — from his upbringing, through Ranger training, into combat, and ultimately, to his place in history. The film doesn't shy away from the emotional toll of war, but it also celebrates the strength, humor, and hope that defined Billy’s life.
What makes With Love, Billy unforgettable is the way it bridges generations. It allows audiences — military and civilian alike — to understand what’s truly at stake in service. It invites us to see the full picture: the soldier, the son, the brother, the friend.
For the Ranger community, this film is sacred ground. It honors a legacy that is often hard to put into words. For the world, it’s a rare window into the depth of character found in those who wear the uniform.
Billy wrote with love. This film answers with remembrance.
Following the international success of award-winning documentary “The Lost Mountaineers", the producers Associazione Benàch and Fondazione Museo storico del Trentino have decided to tell Darby’s story in a documentary that investigates not only the legend, but the man behind the myth.
The Ranger Legacy Foundation aspires to preview the completed documentary in 2026. To help them complete the film, you can make a donation at https://gofund.me/87ab0301 . Each donor will have his name listed in the documentary credits. Thank you for your support!
www.museostorico.it
www.associazionebenach.com
