The Road to Cisterna: David Lyle Williams Earns 2026 Colby Award

David Wiliams has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Colby Award for The Road to Cisterna: Darby’s Rangers and Their Most Consequential Battle in World War II, a deeply researched account of one of the most consequential battles in Ranger history. 

The Road to Cisterna tells the story of Darby's Rangers through a new lens of detailed research and personal reflections. Darby’s Rangers, one of America's first elite special operations forces of World War II, the U.S. Army Rangers were formed in 1942 and trained by British Commandos. The Rangers quickly earned a reputation for audacity and effectiveness during campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and mainland Italy before their devastating losses during the Battle of Cisterna in January 1944.

The book has drawn praise from some of the military's most respected leaders.

Retired U.S. Army BG William J. Leszczynski Jr., former commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment, called The Road to Cisterna "the definitive account of the 1st Ranger Battalion in World War II" and that it "will far eclipse anything previously written."

GEN Stanley McChrystal, USA (Ret.), former commander of both the 2nd Ranger Battalion and the 75th Ranger Regiment, described the work as "a fascinating, 'soldier's level' account" and concluded that Williams' research produced "more than simple history, it is pure inspiration."

For twenty-five years, David Lyle Williams pursued a story that many believed had already been told. With a foundation of interviews with veterans, he also collected letters, memoirs, emails, and other personal recollections. He listened to stories that had remained largely unspoken for decades and uncovered forgotten details, correct historical inaccuracies, and preserved the voices of men whose experiences might otherwise have been lost to time. 

That work has now earned one of military literature's highest honors.

Williams has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Colby Award for his book, The Road to Cisterna: Darby's Rangers and Their Most Consequential Battle in World War II.

The Colby Award

Presented annually at Norwich University during the Military Writers' Symposium, the Colby Award recognizes a first book-length work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry that makes a major contribution to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations, or international affairs. 

The award is administered through Norwich University's John and Mary Frances Patton Peace and War Center in partnership with the Pritzker Military Foundation and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

For Norwich, the award represents more than recognition of a single book. It reflects the university's longstanding commitment to exploring the complexities of war, leadership, service, and global affairs through scholarship and public discourse. Since its inception, the Colby Award and the Military Writers’ Symposium have helped establish a national gathering place for authors, historians, military leaders, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of conflict and its impact on society.

Twenty-Five Years of Research

The high praise for The Road to Cisterna reflects the scope of Williams' achievement. Over twenty-five years, he archived firsthand accounts from more than 160 Rangers, creating an unprecedented record of their experiences during combat, captivity, and survival.

"The story needed to be told because it has never been told so completely," says Williams. "Previous versions have missed the personal stories told by the men who did the fighting."

What distinguishes The Road to Cisterna is that the Rangers themselves tell much of the story. More than 160 veterans speak in their own words, offering readers an intimate view of combat and military service that extends beyond official reports and battlefield summaries.

The book also corrects several long-standing inaccuracies in the historical record and presents new research gathered from decades of conversations and archival work. Its 1,070 endnotes, extensive bibliography, and detailed index reflect the deep and personal dedication Williams carried into this project. 

The Enduring Lessons of Cisterna

Central to the book is the Battle of Cisterna, one of the most consequential engagements in Ranger history. Williams reconstructs the battle in remarkable detail, using firsthand testimony, newly developed maps, and previously unpublished information to tell the story almost hour by hour.

For Williams, however, the story is not solely about military operations.

"Receiving this award is meaningful because it honors sacrifices and achievements of the Rangers of World War II," says Williams.

Many of the Rangers who survived Cisterna spent the remainder of the war as prisoners. Others carried the emotional weight of combat and captivity for the rest of their lives. Through their stories, Williams sought to preserve not only their battlefield accomplishments but also their humanity, resilience, and determination.

"They had to surrender at Cisterna, but they never gave up," says Williams.

That perspective resonates with one of the book's broader themes: courage is not measured solely by battlefield victories. It can also be found in perseverance, endurance, and the determination to continue despite overwhelming adversity.

Continuing the Conversation

Despite receiving one of military literature's most prestigious honors, Williams remains focused on the men whose experiences inspired the project.

"The award really belongs to all the Rangers of World War II," says Williams.

As Norwich University prepares to welcome Williams to the Military Writers' Symposium this fall, his recognition serves as a reminder of the enduring value of military history and the importance of preserving the stories of those who served.

Through the Colby Award, Norwich continues its tradition of bringing influential voices and scholarship to campus while fostering conversations about leadership, service, conflict, and the lessons history offers future generations. For students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests who gather each year for the symposium, those conversations remain as relevant today as the events they examine.

For Williams, the award marks the culmination of a quarter-century of work. For readers, it offers an opportunity to experience one of World War II's most compelling stories through the voices of the Rangers who lived it.