Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Kenneth
Levi
Ridgley
KIA (GWOT)
1974-09-10

–

2005-03-30

Home:

Olney

, 

Illinois

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Kenneth Ridgley graduated in 1993 from East Richland High school, where he joined the Illinois National Guard his senior year. His service helped pay tuition to Southern Illinois University, where he was a roper on the rodeo team. He left the Guard after six years to pursue his trade, but after three years joined the Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 30, 2005
    DOD Listing at www.valor.defense.gov

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Kenneth Levi Ridgley, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as a Squad Leader in Company A, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq, on 30 March 2005. Sergeant Ridgley’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.