Medal of Honor: Carlton Robert Rouh, World War II – Peleliu, 15 September 1944

Carlton Robert Rouh
World War II – Peleliu, 15 September 1944

The battle for Peleliu was one of the most ferocious in the Pacific, a crucible of fire where Marines clawed their way across coral ridges under blistering Japanese fire. Among those who landed that day with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, was First Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh of Lindenwold, New Jersey.

As the Marines pushed forward, Rouh spotted an abandoned Japanese dugout that could serve as an ideal observation post for directing 81mm mortar fire. But before allowing his men to use it, he made the decision to personally reconnoiter the position. Inside, hidden enemy soldiers opened fire, and Rouh was struck by rifle rounds that tore into his body. Wounded and bleeding, he staggered out of the dugout where two Marines rushed to his aid, pulling him to a more sheltered position.

As they began to treat him, a Japanese grenade suddenly landed among them. Though weakened and in pain, Rouh summoned the last of his strength. He pushed his comrades away, threw himself toward the grenade, and shielded them from the blast with his own body. The explosion tore into him, but the other Marines survived.

Rouh’s act of loyalty and sacrifice—choosing death over the loss of his men—embodied the very essence of the Marine Corps spirit. Though grievously wounded, he lived through the battle and later received the Medal of Honor for his valor. His story is one of devotion not only to his country, but to the lives of the Marines who fought beside him.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, 15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, 1st Lt. Rouh made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately assisted by 2 marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was thrown into their midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself. His exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Rouh and the U.S. Naval Service.