Thomas Ridgway

Thomas Ridgway (August 18, 1861 – May 5, 1939) was a career officer in the United States Army. A Coast Artillery specialist, Ridgway served from 1883 to 1919 and attained the rank of colonel. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Boxer Rebellion, and World War I, he was most notable for his service as commander of several Coast Artillery posts and districts and acting commander of the Hawaiian Department. Ridgway was the father of General Matthew Ridgway.

Early life Thomas Ridgway was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 18, 1861, the son of attorney James Ridgway and Esther Lucas Molière Ridgway. He attended the public schools of Brooklyn, and was a student at New York University for two years as a member of the class of 1881. He graduated in 1883 ranked 10th of 52, and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Artillery branch.

Start of career Ridgway became a specialist in the use of coastal artillery for harbor defenses, a major strategic concern for the United States government in the late 1800s and early 1900s as the expansion of several nations' navies detracted from the natural defenses America enjoyed because of its location between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Initially assigned to the 5th Artillery Regiment, Ridgway's early assignments included postings to New York's Fort Wadsworth, Fort Hamilton, and Riverside Park. After graduating, Ridgway returned to duty at Fort Hamilton, where he remained until May 1890. In September 1919, he requested retirement for the disability that resulted from this injury, which was approved in October 1919. They were the parents of two children, Matthew and Ruth.