Charles W. Ryder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Wolcott Ryder
Nickname(s)	"Doc"
Born	January 16, 1892 Topeka, Kansas, United States
Died	August 17, 1960 (aged 68) Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1917–1950
Rank	Major General
Unit	Infantry Branch
Commands held	1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment 34th Infantry Division IX Corps
Battles/wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (2) Purple Heart World War I Victory Medal American Campaign Medal European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal Order of the Bath
Relations	Charles W. Ryder Jr. (Son)

Major General Charles Wolcott Ryder was a brave American Army officer. He served with great courage in both World War I and World War II. He was known for his strong leadership and for always being at the front with his soldiers.

A Young Leader's Journey

Growing Up and Joining the Army

Charles Wolcott Ryder was born in Topeka, Kansas, in January 1892. After finishing high school, he went to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York in 1911. This is a famous school where future army leaders are trained.

He graduated four years later in 1915. His class was very special and became known as "the class the stars fell on". Many of his classmates, like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar Bradley, also became famous generals. After graduating, Ryder became a second lieutenant in the Infantry Branch of the U.S. Army.

His first jobs included serving with the 30th Infantry Regiment and working on border duty in Texas. He also helped train future officers in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). When the United States joined World War I, he was a company commander in the 16th Infantry Regiment.

Fighting in World War I

Ryder and his regiment were among the first American troops sent to France in June 1917. They were part of the new 1st Infantry Division. For almost a year, they trained with the French Army to learn about trench warfare.

By July 1918, Ryder was a major and led the 1st Battalion of the 16th Infantry. He led his soldiers in the Battle of Soissons. It was a very tough battle, and many soldiers were hurt. Ryder himself was wounded by German artillery, but he kept leading his men. Out of 1,100 soldiers in his battalion, fewer than 50 were left after five days of fighting. For his bravery, Ryder received the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second highest award for courage in battle. He also received the Silver Citation Star and the Purple Heart for his injuries.

After recovering from his wound, Ryder returned to lead his battalion. In October 1918, he led them again in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. His battalion captured a very important hill that had stopped the division for three days. Ryder personally checked the area and made a plan. His soldiers attacked the hill with machine guns and artillery support. They worked together to capture enemy positions. By 11:00 AM, they had secured the hill and captured many enemy machine guns. For his amazing leadership, Ryder earned a second Distinguished Service Cross.

World War I ended a little over a month later, on November 11, 1918. The lessons Ryder learned in these battles helped him throughout his career.

Between the Big Wars

After World War I, Ryder stayed in the army. He served in France and Germany as part of the occupation forces. He had earned many awards for his bravery, including two Distinguished Service Crosses, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart.

During the years between World War I and World War II, Ryder held many different jobs. He studied at the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Kansas. He also served in China and worked as an instructor at West Point. From 1937 to 1941, he was the Commandant of Cadets at West Point, helping to train the next generation of army leaders.

Leading in World War II

Commanding a Division

When World War II began, Ryder was promoted to major general. From 1942 to 1944, he was the Commanding General of the 34th Infantry Division. This was the first U.S. division sent to Europe in World War II.

Ryder led his division through tough battles in North Africa and Italy. This included the Operation Torch landings in November 1942, where Allied forces landed in North Africa. He continued to lead his troops through many important battles in the Italian Campaign.

After the War

After the fighting in Europe, Ryder commanded the IX Corps from 1944 to 1948. This unit was preparing for a possible invasion of Japan. However, Japan surrendered before the invasion was needed. Ryder then led the IX Corps during the occupation of Japan, helping to keep peace and order.

Ryder retired from the Army in 1950. He passed away on August 17, 1960, at 68 years old.

A Family of Generals

Charles Wolcott Ryder's son, Charles Wolcott Ryder Jr., also followed in his father's footsteps. He graduated from West Point in 1941 and served with the 90th Infantry Division. Like his father, he had a distinguished career and also became a major general.

Awards and Honors

General Ryder received many awards for his bravery and service:

	Distinguished Service Cross (with an oak leaf cluster, meaning he received it twice)
	Army Distinguished Service Medal
	Silver Star (with an oak leaf cluster, meaning he received it twice)
	Legion of Merit (with an oak leaf cluster, meaning he received it twice)
	Purple Heart (for being wounded in battle)
	World War I Victory Medal (with a Silver Citation Star)
	American Defense Service Medal
	American Campaign Medal
	European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
	World War II Victory Medal
	Army of Occupation Medal (with a Germany Clasp)
	Companion of the Order of the Bath (a British honor)

Images for kids

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  Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, and Major General Charles W. Ryder inspecting soldiers of Ryder's 34th Division.