b. 25/07/1917 Summit Station, Pennsylvania. d. 28/09/1944 Mount Battaglia, Italy.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 27-28/09/1944 Mount Battaglia, Italy.
Robert E Roeder MOH
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Captain, Company Commander, in the United States Army in Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 27-28, 1944 at Mount Battaglia, Italy.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Roeder commanded his company in defense of the strategic Mount Battaglia. Shortly after the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height. Completely exposed to ceaseless enemy artillery and small-arms fire, Capt. Roeder constantly circulated among his men, encouraging them and directing their defense against the persistent enemy. During the sixth counterattack, the enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded in overrunning the position. Capt. Roeder led his men in a fierce battle at close quarters to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans. The following morning, while the company was engaged in repulsing an enemy counterattack in force, Capt. Roeder was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious by shell fragments. He was carried to the company command post, where he regained consciousness. Refusing medical treatment, he insisted on rejoining his men. Although in a weakened condition, Capt. Roeder dragged himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced himself in a sitting position. He began firing his weapon, shouted words of encouragement, and issued orders to his men. He personally killed two Germans before he himself was killed instantly by an exploding shell. Through Capt. Roeder’s able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important and strategic height. His valorous performance is exemplary of the fighting spirit of the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 12, GRAVE 6116.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: 88TH READINESS DIVISION, FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN.
