The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard L. Ridgley (MCSN: 934666), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 29 May 1945. Observing a large hostile patrol approaching his position, Private First Class Ridgley held his fire until the enemy came within close range, in order to achieve the greatest effect. When his gun jammed after disposing of five of the Japanese, he closed in hand-to-hand combat and used his rifle as a club until his comrades entered the fire fight against the enemy force. By his initiative, presence of mind and courageous devotion to duty, Private First Class Ridgley contributed materially to the annihilation of forty-two of the Japanese, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.