The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General of the 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy forces at Normandy, France, from 6 June 1944 to 9 June 1944. Major General Ridgway jumped by parachute at approximately 0200 prior to the dawn of “D” Day and landed about 3/4 mile northeast of Ste Mere Englise, France, to spearhead the parachute landing assault of his Airborne Division on the Cotentin Peninsula. Throughout “D” Day, he visited every point in the then surrounded area in order to evaluate the opposition and to encourage his men. He penetrated to the front of every active sector without thought of the personal danger involved. He exposed himself continuously to small arms, mortar and artillery fire; as, by his presence and through words of encouragement, he greatly assisted and personally directed the operations of one of his battalions in the important task of securing the bridgehead across the Mederet River, which required a frontal assault against strongly entrenched enemy positions. His personal bravery and his heroism were deciding factors in the success of his unit in France. Major General Ridgway’s gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
-
Distinguished Service Cross
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
XVIII Airborne CorpsAction Date:
1944 – 1945
Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ridgway and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
82d Airborne DivisionAction Date:
April 30, 1945
War Department, General Orders No. 20 (June 7, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding General of the 82d Airborne Division, in action at the Elbe River, in Germany, on 30 April 1945. When heavy artillery concentration forced the suspension of work on a pontoon bridge being constructed across the Elbe River, General Ridgway proceeded to the site where, despite the falling artillery, he moved among the dug-in troops and encouraged them to proceed with their work. Inspired and encouraged by his presence the troops resumed construction and completed the bridge in record time. The gallantry and courage of Major General Ridgway reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
82d Airborne DivisionAction Date:
1942 – 1944
War Department, General Orders No. 20 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 82d Airborne Division from 15 August 1942 to 27 August 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ridgway and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
82d Airborne DivisionAction Date:
1942 – 1944
Unites States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General of the 82d Airborne Division from 1942 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ridgway and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
GeneralDivision:
VIII ArmyAction Date:
December 1950 – May 1952
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 54 (May 29, 1952)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commanding General of the VIII Army from December 1950 to May 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ridgway and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant GeneralDivision:
XVIII Airborne CorpsAction Date:
1944 – 1945
War Department, General Orders No. 58 (1947)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ridgway and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
82d Airborne DivisionAction Date:
June 9 – 10, 1943
Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 24 (September 11, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General of the 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 9 June 1943 during the invasion of Sicily. From the earliest moments of the Sicilian invasion, as Commander of the 82d Airborne Division, Major General Ridgway displayed an uncanny ability for appearing during crucial moments in the advance, and by his compelling leadership and inspiring presence helped his command to hurdle their obstacles and once more to continue the victorious advance. The morning of D-Day found him ashore making personal reconnaissance, while exposed to enemy action, in an effort to locate the 505th Combat Team which hade landed by air the night of 9 – 10 July. Again, during an opposed movement of the Division from Agrigento to the valley of the Verdura River; and on the 23d before Trapant – fearlessly exposing himself_accompanying his advance guard_and by undaunted behavior in the face of hostile fire, helping, inspiring sorely beset gun crews into renewed resistance. Always to the fore, helping, encouraging, driving continually on, his dynamic energy, fearless leadership and steadfast devotion to duty were leading factors in an onslaught which ended in complete defeat of the enemy. Major General Ridgway’s heroic leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 47 (July 1, 1955)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, culminating as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from 30 May 1952 to 29 June 1955. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ridgway and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
82d Airborne DivisionAction Date:
September 17 & 19, 1944
Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 199 (March 13, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (ASN: 0-5264), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General of the 82d Airborne Division, in the vicinity of Eindhoven, Holland, during the period 17 – 19 September 1944. On 17 September, Major General Ridgway flew with the assault echelon of the airborne invasion of Holland. On 18 – 19 September he proceeded by air and land through territory in imminent danger of seizure by the enemy. Despite the fact that the road to ***** was reported out, Major General Ridgway moved forward to join the troops in operation. His presence with the assault echelons on the airborne divisions encouraged and inspired the troops at critical moments and contributed materially to the shattering of enemy attempts to destroy the airborne effort. Major General Ridgway’s courage and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.