Robert E. Roeder – Captain, United States Army

Robert E. Roeder was born in Summit Station, Pennsylvania on July 25, 1917. He earned the Medal of Honor while serving in World War II with Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division at Mount Battaglia, Italy.

He was killed in action on September 28, 1944 in the action that won him the medal. He is buried in Section 12 of Arlington National Cemetery.


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, Pennsylvania. Birth: Summit Station, Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Captain 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, Captain 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 Captain 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, Captain 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, Captain 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 Captain 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.


ROEDER, ROBERT E

  • CAPT AGF INF CO G 350 INF 88TH DIV
  • VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 07/25/1917
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: 11/19/1948
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 12  SITE 6116
  • ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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