Thomas L. Ridge

Thomas Ridge met his future wife while serving as a Naval Attache in Brazil. The daughter of an official of the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, Helen Guarano de Barros would travel to the United States with Ridge upon the end of his tour in October 1944. On November 6, 1944 they were married in Miami, Florida. A week later, Ridge would report to San Diego for service overseas. Helen remained with his mother in Elgin, Illinois. She would later serve as a Navy Lieutenant Commander and gain her US citizenship in 1947.

They had two children: Karen Lee and Thomas Lee Jr.^[2]

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas L. Ridge (MCSN: 0-5833), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the streets of Seoul, Korea, on 25 September 1950. Observing that hostile forces were stubbornly resisting the forward movement of his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Ridge fearlessly moved elements of his command post to the immediate vicinity of the front lines in order to keep abreast of the situation and, repeatedly braving heavy hostile sniper and machine gun fire, skillfully directed his battalion's operations. Accurately estimating the enemy's capabilities and foreseeing a counterattack in the early hours of the next day, he expertly placed the units of his command on their night main line of resistance and, when the attack materialized, was primarily responsible for the success of the battalion in decisively defeating and throwing back the enemy with great loss in manpower and materiel. Although suffering from the pain of severe wounds to his hands, which had been inflicted when hostile phosphorus artillery shells landed in the command post, he courageously remained at his post throughout the night. His indomitable fighting spirit, tactical skill and heroic leadership during this aggressive action reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Ridge and the United States Naval Service.^[3]

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas L. Ridge (MCSN: 0-5833), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer of a Marine infantry battalion in Korea from 26 November to 10 December 1950.

During the Chosin Reservoir operations, Lieutenant Colonel Ridge demonstrated extraordinary skill, initiative, and determination. His battalion was assigned a critical sector of the defense at Hagaru-ri from 27 November to 7 December 1950, and he served as Defense Area Commander from 28 November to 5 December 1950.

With complete disregard for personal safety and fatigue, he so expertly employed his reinforced battalion that determined enemy attacks were repelled, and the defense perimeter remained intact despite repeated enemy efforts to overrun the garrison. His leadership was instrumental in allowing other divisional units to reorganize and resupply, and in establishing a base for the treatment and evacuation of casualties.

In the subsequent attacks on Koto-ri and Chinhung-ni, Lieutenant Colonel Ridge continued the skillful employment of his battalion, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, inspiring his Marines to extraordinary effort, and materially contributing to the division’s operational success.

Lieutenant Colonel Ridge’s exceptional leadership, tactical acumen, and unwavering dedication reflect the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (He is authorized to wear the Combat "V.")

For meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as commanding officer of a Marine infantry battalion in KOREA from 28 October 1950 to 14 November 1950. Assigned the independent mission of establishing a defensive position at Majon-ni to deny the enemy the use of this important road hub, Lieutenant Colonel RIDGE expertly retained tactical control of his battalion despite opposition by numerically superior enemy forces, by the skillful employment of combat patrols, reconnaissance in force, and the use of supporting arms. In addition, by emphasising the employment of his intelligence agencies, and as a result of a sound civil affairs program which won the support of the native population, he was able to obtain an unusual volume of intelligence information, which permitted the establishment of the defensive position deep in enemy territory. When enemy forces cut the main supply route to his rear, completely surrounding his position, he skillfully coordinated the air dropping of essential supplies, and on two occasions elements of his battalion fought their way through enemy roadblocks with supplies. During the course of the action, a total of 1395 prisoners of war were taken, and heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy. His sound and inspiring leadership and thorough knowledge of the problems involved resulted in the successful completion of his mission. Lieutenant Colonel RIDGE's exemplary and meritorious conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Lieutenant Colonel RIDGE is authorized to wear the combat "V" ^[2]

For meritorious acts while participating in aerial flight over enemy territory. Serving with a Marine division in action against the enemy in KOREA, during the period 28 September 1950 to 16 July 1951, Lieutenant Colonel RIDGE participated in a total of twenty-two liaison and reconnaissance flights in slow unarmed aircraft at extremely low altitudes over areas where enemy anti-aircraft fire was received or could be expected. Information gained during these flights aided materially in the success of ground operations. Lieutenant Colonel RIDGE's actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.^[2]