MOH

Medal of Honor: Robert D. Booker – World War II – April 9, 1943

Across two hundred yards of open ground, enemy guns tracked him alone. Wounded and dying, he still fought on and urged his squad forward.

April 28, 2026

Name: Robert D. Booker
Rank: Private
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 34th Infantry Division
Date of Action: April 9, 1943
Location: Near Fondouk, Tunisia

Summary of Action

On 9 April 1943, Private Robert D. Booker distinguished himself in combat near Fondouk, Tunisia.

During fierce action against enemy forces, Booker seized a light machine gun and a box of ammunition and advanced across more than two hundred yards of open ground.

As he moved forward, two enemy machine guns and several mortars concentrated directly on him.

Enemy artillery soon joined the barrage.

Despite being singled out by multiple weapons, Booker never stopped advancing.

Reaching his objective, he immediately set up and opened fire.

Though wounded during the action, he continued firing and succeeded in silencing one enemy machine-gun position.

Turning his weapon toward a second gun, he was struck by a second and mortal wound.

Even then, with his remaining strength, Booker continued to encourage the members of his squad and direct their fire.

His fearless advance under impossible odds, devotion to duty, and final determination inspired those around him and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

BOOKER, ROBERT D.

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 34th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Fondouk, Tunisia, 9 April 1943.

Entered service at: Callaway, Nebr.

Born: 11 July 1920, Callaway, Nebr.

G.O. No.: 34, 25 April 1944.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action. On 9 April 1943 in the vicinity of Fondouk, Tunisia, Pvt. Booker, while engaged in action against the enemy, carried a light machinegun and a box of ammunition over 200 yards of open ground. He continued to advance despite the fact that 2 enemy machineguns and several mortars were using him as an individual target. Although enemy artillery also began to register on him, upon reaching his objective he immediately commenced firing. After being wounded he silenced 1 enemy machinegun and was beginning to fire at the other when he received a second mortal wound. With his last remaining strength he encouraged the members of his squad and directed their fire. Pvt. Booker acted without regard for his own safety. His initiative and courage against insurmountable odds are an example of the highest standard of self-sacrifice and fidelity to duty.