Memorial Day Tribute Ralph Bristol Interviews Cookeville Resident & World War II Veteran, Lehman Riggs

Livingston, TN (Monday, May 28, 2012) - In a special Memorial Day tribute, radio host Ralph Bristol recently interviewed Lehman Riggs of Cookeville, Tennessee, a World War II veteran and American hero. Mr. Riggs gave his firsthand account of one of the most famous and iconic photos of WWII, “The Last Man to Die.” Click here to listen to the interview.

“On Memorial Day, we pause and remember the men and women of our military who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. Their sacrifices have made America a beacon of hope and freedom to the world. Mr. Lehman Riggs’ inspiring story of heroism should remind us all that America truly is the home of the free because of the brave,” said Congressman Diane Black.

In 1945, Mr. Riggs was near death as he lay wounded on the battlefield in WWII. But after seeing his friend killed where he had stood just moments before, he took over the gun and started firing back against the enemy. His heroism in the heat of battle was captured on film by the famous photojournalist, Robert Capa.

A few months later, the photo of Mr. Riggs was immortalized in Life Magazine’s May 14, 1945 issue, "Victorious Yank."  For decades no one knew who the men were in the photo.  Last month, Mr. Riggs traveled to Germany to share his firsthand account of the famous photo for a documentary about WWII.

Background:
Congressman Black recently had the honor of meeting Mr. Lehman Riggs at an Armed Services Day event. Months earlier, Congressman Black’s office had helped to expedite a passport for Mr. Riggs so that he could travel to Germany to participate in the WWII documentary.

Photo of Congressman Black with Mr. Lehman Riggs
Nashville Fox 17 Story on Mr. Lehman Riggs