Medal of Honor: Robert G. Cole – World War II – June 11, 1944

Name: Robert G. Cole
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 101st Airborne Division
Date of Action: June 11, 1944
Location: Near Carentan, France

Summary of Action

On 11 June 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Cole displayed extraordinary heroism while leading his battalion during the drive toward Carentan in Normandy.

Cole’s men were attempting to seize the final four bridges leading to the strategically important town when they suddenly came under devastating rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire from well-prepared German defensive positions only 150 yards ahead.

The enemy barrage pinned the battalion to the ground.

For more than an hour, every attempt to move resulted in casualties, leaving the attack stalled under relentless fire.

Recognizing that remaining in place would only invite destruction, Cole made a bold and desperate decision.

He ordered his men to fix bayonets.

Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, he rose to his feet directly in front of the battalion. Drawing his pistol and shouting for his paratroopers to follow him, he charged straight toward the German lines through the storm of bullets.

As he advanced, he seized the rifle and bayonet of a fallen soldier and continued leading from the front.

Inspired by their commander’s fearless example, the battered remnants of the battalion rose from cover and followed him in a furious assault across the open ground.

The unexpected charge smashed into the German positions, overwhelmed the defenders, and secured the bridgehead across the Douve River, allowing the advance toward Carentan to continue.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Cole’s personal courage and inspirational leadership transformed what appeared to be an impossible situation into a decisive victory. His heroic actions remain one of the defining moments in the history of the 101st Airborne Division and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

COLE, ROBERT G.

Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division.

Place and date: Near Carentan, France, 11 June 1944.

Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex.

Birth: Fort Sam Houston, Tex.

G.O. No.: 79, 4 October 1944.

Citation:

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last four bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over one hour prevented any movement and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man’s rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of the bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.