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.

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.