Robert George Cole-Margraten, Netherlands
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 50° 49.086 E 005° 48.366
31U E 697655 N 5633350
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Carentan, France on June 11, 1944. He was KIA. He is buried in Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Eijsden-Margraten Municipality, Limburg, Netherlands in Plot B, Row 15 Grave 27.
Waymark Code: WM116AG
Location: Limburg, Netherlands
Date Posted: 08/23/2019
Views: 14
He was born on March 20, 1915 in San Antonio, TX and killed in action on September 18, 1944 in Best, Netherlands. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: ROBERT GEORGE COLE
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Organization: U.S. Army
Company:
Division: 101st Airborne Division
Born: Fort Sam Houston, Tex.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: San Antonio, Tex.
G.O. Number: 79
Date of Issue: 10/04/1944
Accredited To:
Place / Date: Near Carentan, France, 11 June 1944
Citation
For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.
Photo by Mr D and posted on findagrave.com.
*SPECIAL EXCEPTION WAYMARK* This category made the decision to approve this waymark based on the research and partnerships between the submitter, Don.Morfe, and individuals who gave permission for their photos of Medal of Honor resting places to be used in this community. Although the vision and philosophy of the Waymarking body is to promote in-person visits and photo documentation, special circumstances can be made on a case-by-case basis such as this submission. We appreciate the fact that Don.Morfe spent over 20 years visiting more than 2,900 Medal of Honor resting places and has documented them in this category with personal photos the past 18 months. He recently took it upon himself to document many more Medal of Honor resting places around the world that he could not visit in person. He reached out to individuals on FindaGrave.com and elsewhere and received permission to use their photos, created write-ups and submitted them here for approval. A compromise was made to allow his submissions here in order to gain a sense of appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you, Don, for your tireless efforts and contributions to this category and to the Waymarking community!