Gordon Ray Roberts

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Gordon Ray Roberts
born June 14, 1950
Image:GordonRayRoberts.jpg
LtCol Gordon R. Roberts
Place of birth Middletown, Ohio
Allegiance United States Army
Years of service 1967-1971, 1989-present
Rank Lieutenant Colonel
Unit 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry
Commands Officer in charge of force protection, 1st COSCOM, Camp Anaconda, Balad, Iraq
Battles/wars Vietnam
Iraq
Awards Medal of Honor
Silver Star
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Presidential Unit Citation
Other work Social worker

Gordon Ray Roberts (born 1950) is a United States Army officer who was an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 11, 1969.

As of July 2006, Roberts is the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient and the only Medal of Honor recipient still serving on active duty.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Gordon Roberts was born in Middletown, Ohio in 1950. His hometown is Lebanon, Ohio.

[edit] Vietnam service

Roberts enlisted in the Army three days after graduating from high school, at age 17. Following basic training, he attended the Infantry school, and was then assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and sent to Vietnam.

[edit] Post-Vietnam life

Following his first enlistment in the Army, Roberts attended the University of Dayton and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He married and became the father of a son and a daughter. After eighteen years as a social worker, he returned to the Army and received a direct commission as an officer.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant (then Sp4c.), U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.

Place and date: Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 July 1969.

Entered service at: Cincinnati, Ohio.

Born: 14 June 1950, Middletown, Ohio.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roberts distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company B, during combat operations. Sgt. Roberts' platoon was maneuvering along a ridge to attack heavily fortified enemy bunker positions which had pinned down an adjoining friendly company. As the platoon approached the enemy positions, it was suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire from camouflaged enemy fortifications atop the overlooking hill. Seeing his platoon immobilized and in danger of failing in its mission, Sgt. Roberts crawled rapidly toward the closest enemy bunker. With complete disregard for his safety, he leaped to his feet and charged the bunker, firing as he ran. Despite the intense enemy fire directed at him, Sgt. Roberts silenced the 2-man bunker. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roberts continued his 1-man assault on a second bunker. As he neared the second bunker, a burst of enemy fire knocked his rifle from his hands. Sgt. Roberts picked up a rifle dropped by a comrade and continued his assault, silencing the bunker. He continued his charge against a third bunker and destroyed it with well-thrown hand grenades. Although Sgt. Roberts was now cut off from his platoon, he continued his assault against a fourth enemy emplacement. He fought through a heavy hail of fire to join elements of the adjoining company which had been pinned down by the enemy fire. Although continually exposed to hostile fire, he assisted in moving wounded personnel from exposed positions on the hilltop to an evacuation area before returning to his unit. By his gallant and selfless actions, Sgt. Roberts contributed directly to saving the lives of his comrades and served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers in the defeat of the enemy force. Sgt. Roberts' extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[edit] Quotes

  • “I left the Army and came back to this one because this Army is much better.”
  • “I think everyone thinks a Medal of Honor somehow translates into leadership, but I don’t think that is inherently accurate.”
  • “I learned a long time ago that you are no better than your next award.”

[edit] References

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