Medal of Honor: Anund C. Roark - Vietnam War - May 16, 1968

Name: Anund C. Roark
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 16, 1968
Location: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 16 May 1968, Sergeant Anund C. Roark displayed extraordinary heroism while leading a rescue mission deep in enemy-controlled territory in Kontum Province.

A hilltop observation post manned by eleven American soldiers was under heavy attack from a company-sized North Vietnamese force positioned approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter.

Roark served as the point squad leader for the relief force sent to rescue the trapped men.

As the rescuers neared the besieged position, intense enemy automatic weapons fire erupted from fortified bunkers and halted the advance.

Without hesitation, Roark maneuvered his squad forward through the storm of enemy fire.

Repeatedly exposing himself to deadly gunfire, he hurled grenades into enemy positions and directed his men’s fire with such effectiveness that his squad gained fire superiority over the attackers.

His actions helped cover the withdrawal of the isolated observation post and the evacuation of its wounded.

Frustrated by the rescue effort, enemy troops intensified their attack, sweeping the hilltop with automatic weapons fire and volleys of grenades.

During the fierce fighting, a grenade landed directly among Roark and his men.

Instantly recognizing the danger, Roark threw himself upon the grenade without hesitation.

Absorbing the full force of the explosion with his own body, he sacrificed his life to save the soldiers around him.

His fearless leadership and ultimate act of self-sacrifice inspired the successful relief of the observation post and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

ROARK, ANUND C.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. Sgt. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company-size force, approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic weapons fire from enemy occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, Sgt. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. Sgt. Roark’s magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.