Medal of Honor : Robert E. Roeder, World War II, September 27–28, 1944

Name: Robert E. Roeder
Rank: Captain
War: World War II
Date of Action: September 27–28, 1944
Unit: Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division
Accredited to: Summit Station, Pennsylvania

Summary of Action
In late September 1944, Captain Robert Roeder’s company seized the key height of Mount Battaglia in Italy—only to face relentless German counterattacks. Exposed to constant artillery and small-arms fire, Roeder moved among his men, rallying them with fearless presence and firm leadership. When enemy flamethrowers and fog allowed German troops to briefly overrun their lines, Roeder personally led a furious countercharge that drove them back with heavy losses. The next morning, shell fragments struck him down, leaving him unconscious. Brought to the command post, he revived, refused treatment, and insisted on returning to the fight. Too weak to stand, Roeder braced himself in a sitting position with rifle in hand, shouting orders and encouragement. He killed two enemy soldiers before an exploding shell ended his life. Inspired by his sacrifice, his men held Mount Battaglia against all odds, repulsing every German attempt to retake the strategic hill.

Medal of Honor Citation
ROEDER, ROBERT E.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division. Place and date: Mt. Battaglia, Italy, 27–28 September 1944. Entered service at: Summit Station, Pa. Birth: Summit Station, Pa. G.O. No.: 31, 17 April 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Roeder commanded his company in defense of the strategic Mount Battaglia. Shortly after the company had occupied the hill, the Germans launched the first of a series of determined counterattacks to regain this dominating height. Completely exposed to ceaseless enemy artillery and small-arms fire, Capt. Roeder constantly circulated among his men, encouraging them and directing their defense against the persistent enemy. During the sixth counterattack, the enemy, by using flamethrowers and taking advantage of the fog, succeeded in overrunning the position Capt. Roeder led his men in a fierce battle at close quarters, to repulse the attack with heavy losses to the Germans. The following morning, while the company was engaged in repulsing an enemy counterattack in force, Capt. Roeder was seriously wounded and rendered unconscious by shell fragments. He was carried to the company command post, where he regained consciousness. Refusing medical treatment, he insisted on rejoining his men although in a weakened condition, Capt. Roeder dragged himself to the door of the command post and, picking up a rifle, braced himself in a sitting position. He began firing his weapon, shouted words of encouragement, and issued orders to his men. He personally killed 2 Germans before he himself was killed instantly by an exploding shell. Through Capt. Roeder’s able and intrepid leadership his men held Mount Battaglia against the aggressive and fanatical enemy attempts to retake this important and strategic height. His valorous performance is exemplary of the fighting spirit of the U.S. Army.