Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. was the oldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt. He had a distinguished career in both public service and the military.
He graduated from Harvard College in 1909 and began a very successful career as an investment banker. Prior to World War I he received military training with Aviation Section in the Signal Corps. At the outbreak of war he was offered a commission at the rank of major by General Pershing.
After the war he served the 2nd District in New York State Assembly (1920–1921), was appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1921-1924), served as Governor of Puerto Rico (1929–1932) and Governor General of the Philippines (1932–1933).
In 1941, as World War II was raging in Europe, he returned to active duty and was given command of the 26th Infantry Regiment, of the 1st Infantry Division and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He was as assistant commander of the United States Army's 4th Infantry Division during the June 6, 1944 D-Day landings at Normandy, France. He was the only general to lead his troops onto the beaches at Normandy.
His military awards include:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Four Silver Stars
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart
Legion of Honor (France)
Croix de guerre (France)
He was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry under fire. His citation reads:
"For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After two verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France."
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. died of a heart attack on July 12, 1944 while serving in France. He was 56 years old.