Robert E. Roeder-Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.656 W 077° 04.026
18S E 320689 N 4305224
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action in Mt. Battaglia, Italy on September 27-28, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Section 12, Site 6116.
Waymark Code: WMX7JK
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/08/2017
Views: 0
He was born on July 25, 1917 in Summit Station, PA and died on September 28, 1944 in Italy. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *ROEDER, ROBERT E.
• Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division
• Place and date: Mt. Battaglia, Italy, 27-28 September 1944
• Entered service at: Summit Station, Pa.
• G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at 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 2 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.
Armed Service: Army
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.