Who was SSG Ruben Rivers?
Ruben Rivers was a United States Army staff sergeant who served as a tank company platoon leader during World War II. Rivers was born in 1921 to Willie and Lillian Rivers in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. He grew up nearby Hotulka, Oklahoma where he and his eleven brothers and sisters worked on the family farm.
Who was sergeant Rivers and what was he able to accomplish during the war?
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Rivers distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action during 16-19 November 1944, while serving with Company A, 761st Tank Battalion.
What did the 761st Tank Battalion do?
On November 16, 1944, the men of the African American 761st Tank Battalion assaulted the German-held town of Guebling. Platoon Sergeant Ruben Rivers displayed uncommon heroism in leading the assault, and in doing so made the ultimate sacrifice for his comrades.
When did Ruben Rivers join the army?
1942
After Rivers graduated from high school, he had a job with a railroad before he enlisted in the Army in 1942. Rivers trained with a tank battalion at Camp Hood, Texas, now known as Fort Hood. Due to segregation in the military at the time, he served in an all-black unit.
Did black soldiers serve in ww1?
After the declaration of war, more than 20,000 blacks enlisted in the military, and the numbers increased when the Selective Service Act was enacted in May 1917. It was documented on July 5, 1917 that over 700,000 African Americans had registered for military service.
What was Ruben Rivers known for?
Ruben Rivers (1921 – November 19, 1944) was a United States Army staff sergeant who was killed in action while serving as a tank company platoon sergeant during World War II.
Were there any black tank crews in ww2?
In October of 1944, the 761st tank battalion became the first African American tank squad to see combat in World War II. And, by the end of the war, the Black Panthers had fought their way further east than nearly every other unit from the United States, receiving 391 decorations for heroism.
Who was the most decorated female soldier of WWI?
Milunka Savić
Milunka Savić fought in the Balkan Wars and in World War I. She has been recognized as the most-decorated female combatant in the history of warfare, and was wounded no fewer than nine times during her service. Savić was born in the village of Koprivnica, Serbia.
What famous baseball player was a member of the 761st Tank Battalion?
Jackie Robinson and segregation The most famous member of the 761st was First Lieutenant Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson. During the 761st’s training, a white bus driver told Robinson to move to the back of the bus. Robinson refused and was arrested. Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Paul L.
Who was Ruben Rivers and what did he do?
Ruben Rivers was a United States Army staff sergeant who served as a tank company platoon leader during World War II. Rivers was born in 1921 to Willie and Lillian Rivers in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.
Where is Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers buried?
Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers was killed in action on 19 November 1944. He is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Lorraine Region, France, in Plot C, Row 5, Grave 53.
How many brothers and sisters did Bill Rivers have?
He grew up in nearby Hotulka, where, along with his eleven brothers and sisters, he worked on the family farm. After graduating from high school, Rivers worked on the railroad for a time. With the United States’ entry into World War II, Rivers and two of his brothers, Robert and Dewey, would offer their services to the military.
Where did Johnny Rivers grow up in Oklahoma?
Rivers was born to Willie and Lillian Rivers in 1921 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. He grew up in nearby Hotulka, Oklahoma, where he and his eleven brothers and sisters worked on the family farm. In 1930, the family moved to Earlsboro. After graduating from high school, Rivers worked on the railroad for a time.