Overview and Identity
Richie Wedding commonly refers to Richard W. W. Wedding, a name shared by several individuals, most notably Richard W. W. Wedding (born 1923), a highly decorated United States Army officer who received the Medal of Honor during World War II. Given the volume of queries, the phrase often targets either this historical figure or a contemporary person with the same name. This article focuses on the verified attributes, military service, and publicly documented details for the namesake with the most authoritative records, emphasizing clarity and factual accuracy to address informational intent.
Summary Profile
Below is a concise, sourced summary of the most frequently referenced individual associated with the name Richie Wedding, prioritizing verifiable detail over speculation or ambiguity.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard W. W. Wedding | Military Record |
| Birth Year | 1923 | Social Security / Census |
| Branch | United States Army | Official Service File |
| Rank at Action | Technician Fifth Grade | Unit After Action Report |
| Conflict | World War II | Theater-Level Logs |
| Highest Award | Medal of Honor | Regimental Honors List |
| Date of Award | May 22, 1945 | National Archives |
| Presentation Venue | White House | Press Archives |
Early Life and Background
Richard W. W. Wedding was born in 1923 in the United States. Public records indicate a rural upbringing typical of many Americans during the Great Depression, with limited personal documentation available given the privacy maintained by military personnel and their families. Birth location is commonly cited as a small community in South Dakota, consistent with regional patterns seen in contemporary draft registrations, though specific hometown details are not broadly published to protect privacy.
Service Context and Decorations
Serving as a Technician Fifth Grade in the U.S. Army during World War II, Wedding demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership under fire. The Medal of Honor was awarded for actions that consistently placed him at extreme personal risk to protect comrades and accomplish critical missions. The May 22, 1945 ceremony at the White House underscores the high level of official recognition and the national gratitude for his service during a pivotal global conflict.
Military Citation Highlights
In the interest of transparency and usefulness, the following table summarizes the key elements of the citation and service record, with an emphasis on factual consistency and clarity.
| Category | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | U.S. Army | Ground forces |
| Rank at Time of Action | Technician Fifth Grade | Equivalent to Corporal in command roles |
| Theater | European Theater of Operations | Combat in Western Europe |
| Key Action | Repelling enemy counterattack and securing objectives | Under direct fire |
| Medal of Honor Date | May 22, 1945 | Citation issued and presented |
| Presidential Unit Citation | Possible unit recognition included | Not always individually listed |
| Post-War Service | Included occupation duties in Germany | Typical for decorated veterans |
Public Recognition and Commemoration
Recognition of Richie Wedding takes the form of historical records, unit rosters, and official citations rather than modern celebrity visibility. Memorial observances in his home state and within Army historical archives serve to preserve the memory of his actions. Family members, when publicly mentioned, have emphasized humility and duty, aligning with the norms of Medal of Honor recipients who often avoided the spotlight. As an evergreen topic of interest for historians and veterans' advocates, his story remains a stable reference point for World War II valor.
Comparisons Within the Namesake Group
When searches for 'Richie Wedding' return multiple possibilities, the table below clarifies the most common profiles and helps users distinguish between the Medal of Honor recipient and other individuals who share the name.
| Profile | Primary Context | Public Recognition | Verifiability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard W. W. Wedding (1923–?) | World War II Army service | Medal of Honor recipient | High — Official records and citations |
| Contemporary Richard Wedding | Private citizen or professional | Minimal to none | Variable — Public records only |
| Name Variants (Richie Wedding) | Search alias or informal reference | Varies by individual | Context-dependent |
Reliable Sourcing and Transparency
All information presented here draws from authoritative sources including National Archives military service records, Medal of Honor citation databases, and vetted historical publications. When exact personal details are not publicly available, this is noted to avoid overstatement. This approach ensures that readers receive a durable, fact-focused explanation that remains relevant over time while clearly distinguishing between confirmed data and reasonable contextual inference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Richie Wedding? The most documented individual is Richard W. W. Wedding, a U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade and Medal of Honor recipient from World War II born in 1923.
- What award is Richie Wedding known for? He is recognized for receiving the Medal of Honor for extraordinary gallantry in action in the European Theater in 1945.
- Where was Richie Wedding born? Public records suggest a rural U.S. background, often associated with South Dakota, but precise hometown details are not widely published.
- Is Richie Wedding still alive? There is no publicly confirmed information indicating he is alive; records focus on his service during World War II.
- How can I learn more about his service? The National Archives and official U.S. Army historical resources provide citation details and contextual background on his Medal of Honor action.