Robert C. Steele
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army

From 3-8 February 1945, then-Technical Sergeant Robert C. Steele was serving with the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

During that time, TSGT Steele’s unit was in action against Japanese forces on the Island of Luzon, Philippines. On 3 February, the 511th parachuted onto a drop zone at Tagaytay Ridge and, after the ridge had been cleared of its remaining Japanese defenders, the 11th Division began to advance towards Manila. The 11th Airborne Division was ordered to breach the Genko Line and drive into Manila, where it would link up with other American forces attacking the city from the north. Spearheading the Division's attack on 5 February, the 511th overcame fierce resistance and broke the crust of the Japanese position. TSGT Steele’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 8 February, the 511th Regiment had changed its axis of advance and was attempting to move into Manila from the north. During that advance, TSGT Steele was killed in action.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge with Combat Jump Star

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Robert C. Steele (ASN: 20904839), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 5 February 1945. Technical Sergeant Steele's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 41 (1945)

Burial

Technical Sergeant Robert C. Steele is buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines in Plot G, Row 10, Grave 3.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56757907/robert-c-steele