Twenty five 4th Infantry Division Soldiers have received the United States’ highest military award for valor. The Mountaineer is highlighting these heroes throughout the year in celebration of the division’s centennial.
OFFICIAL CITATION
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to
BRIGADIER GENERAL THEODORE ROOSEVELT JR.
UNITED STATES ARMY
For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France.
After 2 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.
The Medal of Honor is reserved for those who are distinguished “conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.”
