Who served as the first Colonel of the Ranger Regiment?

The first Colonel of the Ranger Regiment was Col. William O. Darby, who played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the 1st Ranger Battalion during World War II. His leadership and vision were instrumental in the formation of the Rangers as an elite unit characterized by their unique tactics and specialized skills. Darby emphasized rigorous training and operational flexibility, which became hallmarks of the Ranger ethos. His legacy continues to influence modern Ranger operations and training.

The other individuals listed did not serve as the first Colonel of the Ranger Regiment. For instance, Col. Manuel Noriega was a Panamanian military leader and is not associated with the Ranger history, while Col. John G. Meyer and Col. Raoul Cerdas were involved in different capacities or periods regarding military service and do not hold the same significance as Darby in the context of the Ranger Regiment's establishment.