Ruben Rivers (1921-1944) was Staff Sergeant in the 761st Tank Battalion and the Medal of Honor recipient. Citation: For extraordinary heroism in action during the 1519 November 1944 toward Guebling France. Though severely wounded in the leg Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation took command of another tank and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank’s fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn Company A’s tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers joined by another tank opened fire on the enemy tanks covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so Sergeant River’s tank was hit killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers’ fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.
