General Ridgway graduated from West Point in 1917 and retired as Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, in 1955. His military accomplishments during the intervening thirty-eight years will serve as an outstanding example of leadership for all history.

During World War II General Ridgway commanded the 82d Airborne Division in the attack on Sicily, the first large-scale Airborne assault conducted by the U.S. Army. As commanding general he parachuted into Normandy on D-day with the division and later, as Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, he made major contributions toward winning the war in Europe. He continued his winning leadership in combat when, as Commander, Eighth U.S. Army, he overcame the Chinese intervention during the Korean war.

Throughout his career he served in positions requiring a high degree of diplomacy in addition to skill as a commander. These assignments included Supreme Commander Allied Powers Far East and Commanding General, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.