Medal of Honor: Charles Howard Roan, World War II, September 18, 1944
On a ridge above Peleliu, grenades rained down on his squad. Wounded once, Charles Roan didn’t hesitate when another fell among his comrades—he threw himself upon it, giving his life to save four Marines.
September 19, 2025
Name: Charles Howard Roan
Rank: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
War: World War II
Date of Action: September 18, 1944
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place: Peleliu, Palau Islands
Born: August 16, 1923, Claude, Texas
Summary of Action
During the bitter struggle for Peleliu, Pfc. Charles Roan and his squad advanced rapidly along an exposed ridge against entrenched Japanese defenders. The swift movement cut them off from their company, leaving them vulnerable to fire and counterattack. From a hidden cave on higher ground, Japanese troops began hurling grenades into their position.
Taking shelter with four fellow Marines in a shallow depression, Roan was struck when the first grenade landed close. Moments later, another grenade rolled directly into their midst. Without hesitation, and with full knowledge of the sacrifice, Roan threw himself upon it, smothering the explosion with his own body. His action saved the lives of his four comrades at the cost of his own.
His selflessness in the face of certain death epitomized the Marine Corps’ spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice, ensuring that others would live to continue the fight.
Official Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. Shortly after his leader ordered a withdrawal upon discovering that the squad was partly cut off from their company as a result of the rapid advance along an exposed ridge during an aggressive attack on the strongly entrenched enemy, Pfc. Roan and his companions were suddenly engaged in a furious exchange of handgrenades by Japanese forces emplaced in a cave on higher ground and to the rear of the squad. Seeking protection with 4 other marines in a depression in the rocky, broken terrain, Pfc. Roan was wounded by an enemy grenade which fell close to their position and, immediately realizing the eminent peril to his comrades when another grenade landed in the midst of the group, unhesitatingly flung himself upon it, covering it with his body and absorbing the full impact of the explosion. By his prompt action and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of 4 men. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
