Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Ruben
Rivers
KIA (WWII)

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Lorraine

In the late 1980s, due that fact that no Medals of Honor were awarded to Black American soldiers in either of the World Wars, a review of Distinguished Service Cross awards was initiated to see if some of these brave soldiers might have been denied the Medal of Honor due to prejudice. In 1991 the DSC awarded to Freddie Stowers in WWI was upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Subsequently, on January 13, 1997, the DSC awards to seven Black veterans of World War II were also upgraded, including the award to Ruben Rivers. His award was presented posthumously by President Bill Clinton.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    761st Tank Battalion

    Regiment:

    104th Infantry Regiment (Attached)

    Division:

    3d Army

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1944
    American Battle Monuments Commission

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers (ASN: 38063493), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 761st Tank Battalion, attached to the 104th Infantry Regiment, on 8 November 1944. During the daylight attack on German positions near Vic-sur-Seille in northeastern France, Staff Sergeant Rivers, a tank platoon sergeant, was in the lead tank when a road block was encountered which held up the advance. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Rivers courageously dismounted from his tank in the face of directed enemy small arms fire, attached a cable to the road block and moved it off the road, thus permitting the combat team to proceed. His prompt action thus prevented a serious delay in the offensive action and was instrumental in the successful assault and capture of the town. His brilliant display of initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Staff Sergeant Rivers and the armed forces of the United States.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    761st Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Army

    Action Date:

    November 15 – 19, 1944

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers (ASN: 38063493), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action during the 15 – 19 November 1944, while serving with Company A, 761st Tank Battalion, 3d Army, in action while moving toward Guebling, France. Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank’s fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company A’s tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant River’s tank was hit, killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers’ fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.