Joseph Riddle, Jr. was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, 6 January 1918.
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He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve 28 May 1941, was appointed aviation cadet 2 September 1941; appointed naval aviator 7 March 1942; and appointed ensign 14 March 1942. He was in an active duty status other than training from 17 April 1942, and was assigned to the U.S. Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, for active duty involving flying in connection with the fitting out of Escort Scouting Squadron 12, and for active duty involving flying in that squadron when placed in commission.
He was killed by enemy fighter aircraft after successfully bombing a Japanese destroyer north of New Georgia Island on 4 February 1943 and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
USS Riddle (DE-185) was named in his honor. The ship was launched at Newark, New Jersey, 17 October 1943; and sponsored by Mrs. Anna B. Riddle. It was commissioned 17 November 1943.
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.