Earl D. Ridgeway

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Earl D. Ridgeway, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman on board the LSM(R), ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR (LSM(R)-194), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands, on 4 May 1945. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Ridgeway undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.