Background
Ryder was born on January 16, 1892 in Topeka, Kansas.
Ryder was born on January 16, 1892 in Topeka, Kansas.
In 1915 he graduated from the United States Military Academy.
In 1917–1919, he served as a Major and then Lieutenant Colonel in the 16th and 26th Infantry Regiments, of the 1st Infantry Division in France and Germany. Between the wars, Ryder served in various posts, including the Command and General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
The 15th Infantry in Tientsin, China and as Commandant of Cadets at West Point (1937–1941).
In 1941–1942, he was chief of staff of the VI Corps. From May 1942 to July 1944, Major General Ryder was commander of the 34th Infantry Division, the first United States. division deployed to Europe in World World War World War II He led the division through the North African and Italian campaigns, including the landings at Algiers and at Salerno.
Ryder retired from the Army in 1950, and died on August 17, 1960 at the age of 68.