Reidar Waaler

Ryder Waller was a United States Army soldier who served as a sergeant in Company A of the 105th Machine Gun Battalion of the 27th Division of the United States Army during World War I.

Waaler was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 27 September 1918, near Ronssoy, France. The citation describes how, despite intense gunfire, Waaler climbed to a flaming British tank where he freed two imprisoned crew members before reentering the burning tank with the intent of finding any survivors amid an explosive environment.

Throughout his time in the war, Waaler participated in numerous key events, as depicted in his campaign credits, including the Somme Offensive and the Battle of Ypres-Lys, as well as various Defensive sectors. His actions are commemorated through both US and various foreign awards and decorations.

Waaler’s multi-national decorations included prestige medals for Bravery issued by countries including Great Britain, France, Italy, Montenegro and Portugal.