Medal of Honor: Theodore Roosevelt Jr. - World War II - June 6, 1944

Name: Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
Rank: Brigadier General
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Assistant Division Commander, 4th Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 6, 1944
Location: Normandy, France

Summary of Action

On 6 June 1944, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. demonstrated extraordinary gallantry during the Allied invasion of Normandy, becoming the only general officer to land with the first assault wave on D-Day.

Despite suffering from severe arthritis and requiring a cane to walk, Roosevelt repeatedly requested permission to accompany the lead assault troops. After two verbal requests were denied, his written request was finally approved, allowing him to join the opening attack on the beaches of France.

Landing amid heavy German fire and widespread confusion, Roosevelt quickly realized that his forces had come ashore at the wrong location. Rather than hesitate or attempt a dangerous redeployment under fire, he calmly assessed the situation and began organizing the scattered units around him.

Completely disregarding his own safety, Roosevelt repeatedly moved through enemy fire, personally leading groups of soldiers off the beach, over the seawall, and toward their inland objectives. His conspicuous presence at the forefront of the assault inspired confidence among troops who were facing one of the most perilous moments of the war.

As machine-gun bullets and artillery shells swept the landing area, Roosevelt continued to rally disorganized elements from different units, directing attacks against German strongpoints and personally leading men into combat.

His calm judgment, seasoned leadership, and unwavering courage transformed confusion into coordinated action. Under his guidance, assault troops rapidly reduced enemy defenses and pushed inland with fewer casualties than might otherwise have occurred.

By refusing to leave the front line and by leading through personal example, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. made a decisive contribution to the successful establishment of the Allied beachhead in Normandy. His fearless conduct reflected the highest traditions of military service and cemented his place among the most remarkable leaders of the Second World War.

Medal of Honor Citation

ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, JR.

Rank and organization: Brigadier General, U.S. Army.

Place and date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944.

Entered service at: Oyster Bay, N.Y.

Birth: Oyster Bay, N.Y.

G.O. No.: 77, 28 September 1944.

Citation:

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After two verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt’s written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.