Spring 2023 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 329:
Description
General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (March 3, 1895 – July 26, 1993) was a senior officer in the United States Army, who served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1952–1953) and the 19th Chief of Staff of the United States Army (1953–1955). Although he saw no service in World War I, he was intensively involved in World War II, where he was the first Commanding General (CG) of the 82nd All American Airborne Division, leading it in action in Sicily, Italy and Normandy, before taking command of the newly formed XVIII Airborne Corps in August 1944. He held the latter post until the end of the war in mid-1945, commanding the corps in the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity and the Western Allied invasion of Germany. Ridgeway held the following commands: Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, United Nations Command, Eighth Army, Caribbean Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, 82nd Infantry Division and 15th Infantry Regiment. He earned the following awards: Distinguished Service Cross (2), Army Distinguished Service Medal (4), Silver Star (2), Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal w/ Valor Device (2), Purple Heart, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Congressional Gold Medal. The approximate size of this photo is 14 x 11 inches. Overall, nice signed piece.
Condition: See description for condition report.
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