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Robert E. Roeder (1917–1944)

A Schuylkill County company commander who, mortally wounded, propped himself in a doorway and kept fighting. Markers: ★ verified · ✔ confirmed · ✎ corrects a common error · ⚑ open/caution.

Robert E. Roeder earned a posthumous Medal of Honor in the defense of Mount Battaglia, Italy, on September 27–28, 1944. ★ Commanding Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division, he moved among his men under ceaseless fire through repeated German counterattacks. Gravely wounded and carried to the command post, he refused treatment, dragged himself to the doorway, braced himself upright with a rifle, and went on firing and directing the defense — killing two of the enemy — until he was killed by an exploding shell. ★

Roeder was born on July 25, 1917, in Summit Station, in Wayne Township, Schuylkill County. ★ He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. ✔

Honored on: Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial.

Sources

Frequently asked

What did Robert E. Roeder do to earn the Medal of Honor?
Commanding Company G, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division, in the defense of Mount Battaglia, Italy, on September 27–28, 1944, Roeder moved constantly among his men under fire through repeated German counterattacks. Gravely wounded and carried to the command post, he refused treatment, dragged himself to the door, propped himself up with a rifle, and kept firing and directing his men — killing two of the enemy — until he was killed by a shell. The Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously.
Where was Robert Roeder from?
He was born July 25, 1917, in Summit Station, a community in Wayne Township, Schuylkill County. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.