Ronald Ridgeway was born on June 23, 1949, in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on April 13, 1967, and went on active duty in the Marine Corps beginning June 19, 1967. Pvt Ridgeway completed basic training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, in August 1967, and then Infantry Training at MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in October 1967. LCPL Ridgeway deployed to Southeast Asia in November 1967, and served as a Rifleman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division in South Vietnam from November 1967 until he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War in South Vietnam on February 25, 1968. After spending 1,847 days in captivity, Sgt Ridgeway was released during Operation Homecoming on March 16, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Camp Pendleton, California, and was medically retired from the Marine Corps on November 12, 1973.

His Bronze Star Medal for Valor Citation reads:

For meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February 1968 to March 1973. Despite the constant harassment, intimidation, and cruelties inflicted on Sergeant Ridgeway by his captors, he steadfastly resisted their efforts and conducted himself in strict accordance with the Code of Conduct. His performance served as an inspiration to his fellow prisoners and demonstrated his professional competence and unwavering devotion and loyalty to the United States. Sergeant Ridgeway's exceptional leadership, courage, and resourcefulness, reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.