Charles W. Ryder

Charles Wolcott Ryder, CB (January 16, 1892 – August 17, 1960), during World War II, was a U.S. Army Major General who commanded the 34th Infantry Division in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, and the IX Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Biography
Ryder was born on January 16, 1892 in Topeka, Kansas. In 1915 he graduated from the United States Military Academy. In 1917–1919, he served as a Major and then Lt. Colonel in the 16th and 26th Infantry Regiments, of the 1st Infantry Division in France and Germany.

Between the wars, Ryder served in various posts, including the Command and General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; the 15th Infantry in Tientsin, China and as Commandant of Cadets at West Point (1937–1941). In 1941–1942, he was chief of staff of the VI Corps. From May 1942 to July 1944, Major General Ryder was commander of the 34th Infantry Division, the first U.S. division deployed to Europe in World War II. He led the division through the North African and Italian campaigns, including the landings at Algiers and at Salerno.

From September 2, 1944 to December 6, 1948, Ryder was Commanding General, IX Corps, preparing for the invasion of Japan, and — after the surrender of Japan — serving in the occupation of Japan.

His son, Charles Wolcott Ryder, Jr. was USMA class of 1941 who had a distinguished career and rose to the rank of Major General.

Ryder retired from the Army in 1950, and died on August 17, 1960 at the age of 68.