Son of James E. and Hazel O. Rider, born in Ohio. Single with dependents, living in Allen County, Ohio and working as a clerk when he was drafted on 23 Jul 1942 at Toledo, Ohio. Served with A Battery, 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Richard was attached to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment when, on June 13, 1944 in Normandy, France, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross for destroying five German armored vehicles.
Citation dated 7 September 1944.
First Sergeant Richard E. Rider (then Staff Sergeant) (Army Serial No. 35500015),Coast Artillery Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in combat on 13 June 1944, near Baupte, Normandy, while accompanying a combat patrol of parachute infantry regiment. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, First Sergeant Rider exposed himself fearlessly to enemy machine-gun and cannon fire in order to direct accurately the fire of his antitank guns. When one gun was attacked by five enemy tanks, First Sergeant Rider personally took over from the gunner and directed fire against the approaching enemy. The first tank was destroyed immediately, as were the second and third in rapid succession. The other two tanks retreated to a position in less dangerous territory. First Sergeant Rider followed, placing his gun in a location from which he could deliver destructive fire. From this position he destroyed both remaning tanks, and the German crew were destroyed by our infantry.
By his fearless attention to the mission he was able to destroy completely a serious enemy tank threat, and his determination and enthusiasm supported him to pursue and destroy the retreating tanks. His courage and force before the entire patrol were of high standards and reflect the highest credit upon the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Ohio."
(Picture and citation courtesy of The Outpost - 80th AA Battalion Assoc)
Citation dated 7 September 1944.
First Sergeant Richard E. Rider (then Staff Sergeant) (Army Serial No. 35500015),Coast Artillery Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in combat on 13 June 1944, near Baupte, Normandy, while accompanying a combat patrol of parachute infantry regiment. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, First Sergeant Rider exposed himself fearlessly to enemy machine-gun and cannon fire in order to direct accurately the fire of his antitank guns. When one gun was attacked by five enemy tanks, First Sergeant Rider personally took over from the gunner and directed fire against the approaching enemy. The first tank was destroyed immediately, as were the second and third in rapid succession. The other two tanks retreated to a position in less dangerous territory. First Sergeant Rider followed, placing his gun in a location from which he could deliver destructive fire. From this position he destroyed both remaning tanks, and the German crew were destroyed by our infantry.
By his fearless attention to the mission he was able to destroy completely a serious enemy tank threat, and his determination and enthusiasm supported him to pursue and destroy the retreating tanks. His courage and force before the entire patrol were of high standards and reflect the highest credit upon the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Ohio."
(Picture and citation courtesy of The Outpost - 80th AA Battalion Assoc)
Son of James E. and Hazel O. Rider, born in Ohio. Single with dependents, living in Allen County, Ohio and working as a clerk when he was drafted on 23 Jul 1942 at Toledo, Ohio. Served with A Battery, 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Richard was attached to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment when, on June 13, 1944 in Normandy, France, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross for destroying five German armored vehicles.
Citation dated 7 September 1944.
First Sergeant Richard E. Rider (then Staff Sergeant) (Army Serial No. 35500015),Coast Artillery Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in combat on 13 June 1944, near Baupte, Normandy, while accompanying a combat patrol of parachute infantry regiment. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, First Sergeant Rider exposed himself fearlessly to enemy machine-gun and cannon fire in order to direct accurately the fire of his antitank guns. When one gun was attacked by five enemy tanks, First Sergeant Rider personally took over from the gunner and directed fire against the approaching enemy. The first tank was destroyed immediately, as were the second and third in rapid succession. The other two tanks retreated to a position in less dangerous territory. First Sergeant Rider followed, placing his gun in a location from which he could deliver destructive fire. From this position he destroyed both remaning tanks, and the German crew were destroyed by our infantry.
By his fearless attention to the mission he was able to destroy completely a serious enemy tank threat, and his determination and enthusiasm supported him to pursue and destroy the retreating tanks. His courage and force before the entire patrol were of high standards and reflect the highest credit upon the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Ohio."
(Picture and citation courtesy of The Outpost - 80th AA Battalion Assoc)
Citation dated 7 September 1944.
First Sergeant Richard E. Rider (then Staff Sergeant) (Army Serial No. 35500015),Coast Artillery Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in combat on 13 June 1944, near Baupte, Normandy, while accompanying a combat patrol of parachute infantry regiment. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, First Sergeant Rider exposed himself fearlessly to enemy machine-gun and cannon fire in order to direct accurately the fire of his antitank guns. When one gun was attacked by five enemy tanks, First Sergeant Rider personally took over from the gunner and directed fire against the approaching enemy. The first tank was destroyed immediately, as were the second and third in rapid succession. The other two tanks retreated to a position in less dangerous territory. First Sergeant Rider followed, placing his gun in a location from which he could deliver destructive fire. From this position he destroyed both remaning tanks, and the German crew were destroyed by our infantry.
By his fearless attention to the mission he was able to destroy completely a serious enemy tank threat, and his determination and enthusiasm supported him to pursue and destroy the retreating tanks. His courage and force before the entire patrol were of high standards and reflect the highest credit upon the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Ohio."
(Picture and citation courtesy of The Outpost - 80th AA Battalion Assoc)
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