Countless books and articles have been written about leaders who have made decisions that have had significant effects on our country and the world. Leaders from the military, business and sports worlds have all had a crucial impact on the way we live our lives. Their legacy lives on in giving others the inspirational and motivational drive to become great leaders. One of the most influential and well-regarded leaders during World War II and the Korean War was General Matthew Bunker Ridgway. Ridgway was a man who made countless sacrifices to prevent future hindering conditions. In 1928 he planned to join the Army pentathlon team to compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Amsterdam, but decided it was more important to prepare himself to become a better leader. “I could not refuse such a brilliant opportunity to prepare for any military-diplomatic role the future might offer,” according to Patterson (2006). At the start of World War II, Ridgway was a brigadier general in command of the newly developed 82nd Airborne Division. He made a combat jump, jumping from a plane by parachute, with his troops into battle on June 6, 1944, which according to Patterson (2006) was Normandy. Subsequently, he was awarded his second Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. . According to US First Army Headquarters (1944), the citation states that "Major General Ridgway parachuted out at about 0200 hours before dawn on "D" day and landed about 3/4 mile a northeast of *****, France, to lead his airborne division's parachute assault on **** During "D" Day he visited every point in the then surrounded area to assess the opposition and encourage his men. He penetrated the front of every active sector without thinking about the personal danger involved. He continually exposed himself to small arms, mortar and artillery fire, as he greatly assisted and directed with his presence and words of encouragement personally the operations of one of his battalions in the important task of protecting the bridgehead on the ***** River, which required a frontal assault against a strongly entrenched enemy positions. His personal courage and heroism were decisive factors for the success of his unit in France. Major General Ridgway's courageous leadership, personal courage, and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the United States military forces and reflect great credit upon him, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the United States Army.