It was Ridgway who was chosen to lead the transition of the 82nd Infantry Division (the "All Americans") to the 82nd Airborne Division early in World War II. This promotion was the culmination of a long and distinguished career that included acts of heroism and leadership that continue to serve as an example for all soldiers.
Few positions within the Army require such a high level of leadership abilities. General Ridgway himself became Army Chief of Staff on August 15, 1953.
The advance of his Army Corps to the Baltic in the last phase of the war in Europe was sensational to those fully informed of the rapidly moving events of that day." Marshall, Army Chief of Staff during World War II, stated that "General Ridgway has firmly established himself in history as a great battle leader. Bradley, first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, declared that "Ridgway's performance in Korea was 'the greatest feat of personal leadership in the history of the Army.'" Two of his superior officers, themselves among the most effective Army leaders, considered that Ridgway himself demonstrated exemplary leadership. What makes a great leader' General Matthew Bunker Ridgway believed the chief ingredients of leadership included character, courage and commitment. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Many a time, in Europe and in Korea, men in tight spots blasted their way out with. Generals and Grenades: Said General Ridgway, “some people thought I wore the grenades as a gesture of showmanship. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Shown with him are (L-R)LTG James A Van Fleet, Colonel John Chiles, General Ridgway, and Ambassador William Sebald. Ridgway in Korea: In this image General Ridgway is in Korea, one month after relieving General MacArthur as Supreme Allied Commander.