Matthew B. Ridgway

Date of Birth: March 3, 1895

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: July 26, 1993

Biography

General Matthew Bunker Ridgway was an influential officer in the United States Army who played pivotal roles in both World War II and the Korean War. Born on March 3, 1895, in Fort Monroe, Virginia, Ridgway was the son of Colonel Thomas Ridgway and Ruth Starbuck. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1917. Ridgway’s military career began in earnest during World War II, where he commanded the 82nd Airborne Division. He was responsible for planning and executing airborne operations in Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. His leadership was crucial in transforming the 82nd into a premier fighting force. During the Korean War, Ridgway was appointed commander of the Eighth United States Army and later became the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in the Far East. He is credited with revitalizing UN forces and turning the tide against North Korean and Chinese forces. After the Korean War, Ridgway served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He retired from active duty in 1955 but remained a vocal advocate for military preparedness and strategic planning until his death. Ridgway passed away on July 26, 1993, in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, at the age of 98.

5 Interesting Facts about Matthew B. Ridgway

1. Ridgway was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction in 1986.

2. He was instrumental in the planning of the airborne assault on Normandy during D-Day.

3. Ridgway was known for carrying a grenade on his person during combat to avoid capture.

4. He wrote an autobiography titled “Soldier: The Memoirs of Matthew B. Ridgway” published in 1956.

5. He was a strong critic of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, believing it was a strategic mistake.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Matthew B. Ridgway

1. “The truly great leader overcomes all difficulties and campaigns and carries his nation to victory.”

2. “In the heat of battle, it ceases to be an idea for which we fight or a flag. Rather, we fight for the man on our left, and we fight for the man on our right.”

3. “Wars are not won by evacuations.”

4. “The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.”

5. “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a career military officer, Ridgway did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His net worth was primarily comprised of his military pension and royalties from his writings, estimated to be modest.