MOH

Medal of Honor: Ruben Rivers – World War II – November 15–19, 1944

He refused evacuation. He refused pain. He refused to leave his men. For four days near Guebling, France, Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers fought from the front of his tank—bleeding, unyielding, unstoppable—until the last round was fired.

November 19, 2025

Name: Ruben Rivers
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company A, 761st Tank Battalion (“The Black Panthers”)
Place and Date: Near Guebling, France – 15–19 November 1944
Entered Service At: Oklahoma
Born: 1921 – Tecumseh, Oklahoma
Departed: Killed in Action, November 19, 1944
Accredited to: Kansas

Summary of Action

In mid-November 1944, the 761st Tank Battalion fought its way toward the French towns of Guebling and Bourgaltroff. Among them was Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers — a tank commander known for boldness, raw courage, and unshakeable loyalty to his men.

On November 15, as Company A pushed into Guebling, Rivers’ tank struck a mine. The explosion ripped his leg open, leaving a deep, bone-exposed wound. Medics urged evacuation. Rivers refused—ordering them to treat others first. He climbed into another tank, took command, and returned to the battle.

For the next three days he led from the front, directing fire, covering infantry, and refusing all medical attention. Each day the wound worsened. Each day Rivers pressed the attack.

On November 19, enemy tanks and anti-tank guns halted Company A’s advance. Rivers immediately charged forward with another tank, firing to draw enemy attention and give his men time to escape the kill zone. As he dueled German armor at point-blank range, an enemy shell struck his tank. The blast killed Rivers instantly and wounded his crew.

His final act—consciously placing his tank between the enemy and his withdrawing company—saved countless lives. His courage became legend throughout the 761st.

Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers fought with a will that no wound could diminish. His sacrifice stands as one of the most extraordinary displays of courage in the European Theater.

Medal of Honor Citation

RIVERS, RUBEN

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in action during the 15-19 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 Rivers’ 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.