Memorial

More information

S/Sgt Tourie B. Rickenbaker graduated from Clemson University.

He enlisted at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina on 3 September 1943.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The citation cited: For gallantry in action against the enemy in Belgium 3 - 4 January 1945. During an attack by his company supported by tanks, Staff Sergeant Rickenbaker, together with one officer and seven other soldiers, disregarding his safety under intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, displaying courage and aggressiveness, assisted in killing twenty-nine Germans and capturing twenty-five prisoners while his unit was seizing its objective. On the following day, during an advance on an enemy-held town, Staff Sergeant Rickenbaker, fighting fiercely with his group, accounted for an additional forty dead Germans and twenty-two prisoners and contributed materially to the capture of the town. Staff Sergeant Rickenbaker was subsequently killed in action on 25 February 1945. The superior performance of duty, initiative and commendable conduct exhibited by Staff Sergeant Rickenbaker are in accordance with the finest traditions of the military service.