Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company G, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 16th, 1943

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 58 (1943).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company G, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For gallantry in action on 23 September 1944, near Berg en Dal, Holland. Sergeant Risnes was a Squad Leader, Company G, 508th Parachute Infantry. Company G was moving eastward from Berg en Dal, Holland, in an attack across the Erlekom flatlands. About 1000 hours the unit came under heavy enemy artillery fire followed by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. It was at this time that Sergeant Risnes noticed an enemy group, estimated to be a squad, maneuvering to counterattack their exposed left flank. Without hesitation, and with entire disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Risnes launched a singlehanded attack on the maneuvering element of the enemy. Employing his rifle and fragmentation hand grenades, he killed six of the enemy and caused the remainder to withdraw. Sergeant Risnes’ quick decision and unhesitating attack on the maneuvering element of the enemy enabled his platoon to concentrate on their attack of the German position until fire superiority could be gained and a successful assault launched which resulted in the overrunning of the enemy position. Risnes’ gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and the Airborne forces of the United States Army. Entered service from Washington."

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 17 (1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company G, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Royal decree no.31.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company G, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

"For heroic conduct in action on 26 December 1944 near ***, Belgium. Sergeant Risnes, Squad Leader, Company G, was manning an outpost approximately 300 yards in front of the MLR when the enemy launched an attack from the left and to the rear of his positions. Seeing that the outpost was in danger of being surrounded, Sergeant Risnes was ordered to withdraw, but by the time he was ready to displace, a platoon of the enemy was [illegible] his position and the MLR, without hesitation, Sergeant Risnes [illegible] six men and attacked, and prevented the -enemy from spreading [any further?] to the right. Sergeant Risnes and- his squad killed seventeen Germans and wounded three in their attack. Sergeant Risnes’ coolness and determination while surrounded, and his decisive action resulted in severe casualties to the enemy. Sergeant Risnes' actions reflect great credit upon himself and upon the Airborne Forces of the United States Army. Entered military service from Pequot Lake, Minnesota."

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 34 (1945).