Major Ryan M. Hilgendorf is a native of Hartland, Wisconsin and is a 2012 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis MD.
Major Hilgendorf served as a Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in Company G, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines; Company Commander for Company E, 2d Battalion, 6th Marines; Operations Officer for 2d Battalion, 6th Marines; and Command Security Manager for 2d Marine Division.
Major Hilgendorf has deployed on the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2014, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2016, and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2022.
Major Hilgendorf's staff assignments include; Duty at The Basic School, where he served as a Warfighting Instructor, Staff Platoon Commander for Basic Officer Course 1-18; and Company Executive Officer for Basic Officer Course 6-18.
Major Hilgendorf is a graduate of the Expeditionary Warfare School in May 2020.
Major Hilgendorf is currently stationed in Fort Devens, Massachusetts as of June 2024. He is serving as the Inspector-Instructor for Weapons Company and Headquarters & Services Company within 1st Battalion, 25th Marines.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Major Hilgendorf has the honor to be distinguished as the runner-up for the 2022 Leftwich Trophy for Outstanding Leadership.