Who is Sergeant Ruben Rivers?

Answer 1

• Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers who was half Cherokee and African-American (born 1921 - died November 19, 1944) from Tecumseh, Oklahoma was in the black tank battalion 761st during WWII. Ruben Rivers and two of his brothers Dewey and Robert were nicknamed 'Black Panthers' and assigned to George S. Patton's U.S. Third Army. Unfortunately, Ruben Rivers was not only a hero, but was one of the first to die in the 761st Division. 761st Able Company along with 104th Infantry Regiment attacked a German position near Vic-sure-Seille in France. The Germans managed to stop the progress of the tanks by a felled tree and opened fire on the infantrymen on the roadside ditches causing heavy casualties and Rivers took action which lead to him receiving the Silver Star. Rivers did not receive the medal because in just over a week he would take lead action with his platoon; his tank hit a mine causing Rivers an injury of Shrapnel which cut his leg from knee to thigh. His commanding officer told Rivers that his wound would send him back home to Tecumseh and added that Rivers not only had the Silver Star, but a Purple Heart. Rivers refused and in pain took command of another tank and took cover with the Able Company. Rivers condition had seriously deteriorated by dangerous infection threatening his life, but he led the way while advancing towards German positions near Bougalroff. Unwilling to give up Rivers tank was fully exposed and the Germans opened fire landing two direct hits with high explosive shells. Rivers was killed instantly. Rivers received the highest award; The Medal of Honor.