Many American families sent sons and daughters into war over the years, but there is one Graham County family that sent five sons into combat.
John and Maude Wiggins Riddle first sent four of their sons into World War II.
Clyde Nelson Riddle served as a PFC in the U.S. Army in the European Theater – including England – and saw action in Germany. He was wounded in one of the battles.
David Jefferson Riddle served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and fought the Japanese in the Philippines for over three years, and was involved in some savage combat in New Guinea and the South Philippines.
Conrad Riddle served as a PFC in the U.S. Army and was involved in vicious fighting against the Japanese. His unit was overrun by the Japanese after the Americans had run out of ammunition. Conrad was wounded, but one of his friends named Douglas dragged him into a foxhole and covered him with dead American soldiers to prevent the Japanese from finding him and killing him. Riddle was rescued the next day. His friend Douglas came to Graham County a number of times to see him.
Paul Newton Riddle was also in the US. Army and was involved in knocking out German resistance in French towns that the Americans had overrun.
William Roscoe Riddle was the last of the brothers to serve in the military He was also in the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War.
Much of the information for this column came from Steve Riddle, a brother of the Riddle soldiers and from Elmo “Buddy” Riddle, son of Clyde Riddle. It is their hope and mine that this column might help the younger generation appreciate veterans more and think of the sacrifice for their freedom.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star.