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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Rivers, Ruben |
| Date of birth: | October 21st, 1918 (Tecumseh, Oklahoma/United States)
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| Date of death: |
November 19th, 1944 (Bourgaltroff, Moselle department/France)
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| Buried on: |
Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial |
| Nationality: |
American |
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BIOGRAPHY:
Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers is buried at Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint-Avold/France. Plot: C, Row: 5, Grave: 53.
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MEDAL OF HONOR - ARMY (MOH)
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Rank:
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Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)
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Unit:
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Company A, 761st Tank Battalion "Black Panther", attached to the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division "Yankee", U.S. Army
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Awarded on:
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January 13th, 1997
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Action:
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Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in action during the 15-19 November 1944, toward Guebling, France. Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company A's tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant River's tank was hit, killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers' fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.
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Details:
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Awarded posthumously.
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SILVER STAR
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Rank:
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Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)
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Unit:
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Company A, 761st Tank Battalion "Black Panther", attached to the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division "Yankee", U.S. Army
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PURPLE HEART
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Rank:
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Staff Sergeant (Sergeant-Major)
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Unit:
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Company A, 761st Tank Battalion "Black Panther", attached to the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division "Yankee", U.S. Army
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