February was black history month. During that month, lots of men and women who happen to be black are honored. But they are honored because of the important contributions they made during their lifetime and not because they were black. Our skin color does not dictate our character; it is the choices we make in our lives. Did you know that Pott. County had only one Medal of Honor winner from WWII, and he was black?
His name was Ruben Rivers. He was born Oct. 31, 1918 to Willie and Lillian Rivers in Hutulka, OK. He was 1 of 14 children, but he courageously gave his life in WWII in France in November of 1944. Where is Hutulka, OK?? It was once a thriving community just 2 miles south and 5 miles east of Tecumseh, but nothing remains of the town today like so many small towns in Oklahoma. Rivers joined General Patton’s 3rd Army as a staff sergeant in the Company A, 761st Tank Division called the “Black Panthers.” 1.2 million black troops served in WWII in segregated units even though their commanding officer could not be black. In the attack, Rivers was the lead tank of 11 tanks so when his tank ran over the land mine, he was injured, but he refused medical treatment; choosing rather to fight on while the battle raged.
He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart, but his commander worked tirelessly until he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1997. The two villages in France that were freed from Hitler’s Nazi oppression also honor him at his grave site in St. Avold (Moselle) France in the Lorraine American Cemetery. A memorial was also erected at the site where he was killed. The French mayor also visited Tecumseh on Oct. 4, 2012 to honor Ruben Rivers, a black man. If you want to know more, visit the exhibit at the Tecumseh Museum. Remember honor is not bestowed upon color, but upon courage, duty, and character. We have many veterans who enjoy the meals and fellowship at the Golden Age Center.
