Robert E. Roeder

Captain, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War II

Captain Robert E. Roeder (25 July 1917 - 28 September 1944) was a U.S. Army officer who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War II.

Robert E. Roeder was born on 25 July 1917 in Summit Station, PA. On 27-28 September 1944, he was serving as a Captain with Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division. Near Mt. Battaglia in Italy that day, Captain Roeder was commanding his company in defense of the strategic mountain. His acts of heroism during the fierce battle that ensued earned him the Medal of Honor, which was awarded posthumously.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Mt. Battaglia, Italy, 27-28 September 1944.

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.

Death and Burial

Captain Robert E. Roeder was killed in action on 28 September 1944. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 12-6116.