Eugene Salter Ridgaway

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0647
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Eugene S. Ridgaway (MCSN: 476128), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943.
Skilled and aggressive during fierce combat against a deeply entrenched enemy in the central sector of Betio Island, Private First Class Ridgaway fought furiously and without rest throughout three days and nights of bitter offensive action, contributing materially to the success of his unit in wiping out many Japanese emplacements.
On one occasion, he boldly proceeded to the gun port of a hostile strong point and, despite the enemy's incessant shellfire, destroyed the entrenchment with well-placed demolitions and grenade fire, then entered the area and killed the remaining personnel.
Again risking his life in a subsequent engagement, he fearlessly exposed himself to withering hostile fire to gain an advantageous position for covering the advance of a companion to the entrance of an enemy-held position.
His dating initiative, great personal valor and tireless devotion to the completion of each perilous mission served as an inspiration to our troops and reflect the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Corporal Ridgaway was status of KIA MIA 17 Jun 1944 at Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.