Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Corporal Eugene C. Rivera
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 9, 2015
1. Corporal Eugene C. Rivera Marker
Inscription.
Corporal Eugene C. Rivera. . On April 25, 1951, the Eighth Ranger Company (Airborne) found themselves heavily engaged with Chinese forces as they provided forward reconnaissance during the withdrawal of the 24th Infantry Division near a Korean terrain feature designated Hill 628. Operating the only remaining radio, Corporal (CPL) Eugene C. Rivera, a Communications Chief with the Rangers, adjusted artillery fire upon the enemy. Despite their best efforts, friendly troops were unable to break through the Chinese lines to reconnect with the isolated unit. As casualties mounted, the Rangers were encouraged to, Get out the best you can. Not willing to abandon any Soldier, the Rangers prepared to make their final stand as CPL Rivera spotted American tanks. To save his fellow Rangers, CPL Rivera bravely climbed a desolate hill, and while under relentless fire from the enemy, established and maintained radio contact with the tank platoon leader. His selfless act allowed the M36 Patton tiger-striped tanks of the Sixth Tank battalion to break the enemy encirclement and evacuate the wounded.
On April 25, 1951, the Eighth Ranger Company (Airborne) found themselves heavily engaged with Chinese forces as they provided forward reconnaissance during the withdrawal of the 24th Infantry Division near a Korean terrain feature designated Hill 628. Operating the only remaining radio, Corporal (CPL) Eugene C. Rivera, a Communications Chief with the Rangers, adjusted artillery fire upon the enemy. Despite their best efforts, friendly troops were unable to break through the Chinese lines to reconnect with the isolated unit. As casualties mounted, the Rangers were encouraged to, Get out the best you can. Not willing to abandon any Soldier, the Rangers prepared to make their final stand as CPL Rivera spotted American tanks. To save his fellow Rangers, CPL Rivera bravely climbed a desolate hill, and while under relentless fire from the enemy, established and maintained radio contact with the tank platoon leader. His selfless act allowed the M36 Patton tiger-striped tanks of the Sixth Tank battalion to break the enemy encirclement and evacuate the wounded.
Erected by The United States Army War College; United States
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Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Korean. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1951.
Location. 40° 12.208′ N, 77° 9.475′ W. Marker is near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Middlesex Township. It can be reached from Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other markers no longer nearby. Defender of Pusan (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named "Tigers in Support" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . Eighth Army Ranger Company. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 14, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 746 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on July 13, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1. submitted on June 26, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2. submitted on April 14, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide view photo of the marker showing its location in context. • Can you help?
