Gordon Ray Roberts
Gordon Ray Roberts | |
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Social worker |
Gordon Ray Roberts (born 14 June 1950) is a retired
Early life
Gordon Roberts was born in Middletown, Ohio on 14 June 1950. His hometown is Lebanon, Ohio.
Vietnam service
Three days after Roberts graduated from high school, he enlisted in the
By 11 July 1969, Roberts had already distinguished himself, being awarded both the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.[1] On that day, Roberts single-handedly wiped out three machine gun nests, saving the lives of over 20 fellow soldiers on Hill 996 during Operation Montgomery Rendezvous.[1][3] Roberts spent 14 months in Vietnam until he returned to the United States in June 1970.
On 2 March 1971, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President
Post-Vietnam life
Following his first enlistment in the army, Roberts attended the
He later assumed duties as the unit's forward Chief of Staff at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.Roberts retired from the army on 18 May 2012.[7]
Awards and decorations
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Gordon Roberts's military awards include the
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Medal of Honor |
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Silver Star with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Legion of Merit |
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Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Meritorious Service Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters |
 
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Air Medal with strike numeral "3" |
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Army Commendation Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters
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Army Achievement Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters
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Presidential Unit Citation |
- Badges
Medal of Honor 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'
automatic weaponsand 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.
See also
References
- Citations
- ^ a b c Kinney, "Our Youngest Hero", 2007.
- ^ a b c Huffman, "Medical Center Brigade commander prepares to leave with pride in Walter Reed", 2010.
- ^ a b c "Gordon Roberts, '74". UD Story. University of Dayton. Archived from the original on 16 November 2007.
- ^ a b Huffman,"Decorated soldier comes 'home'", 2007.
- ^ Gould, Joe; Jim Tice (25 July 2010). "Ex-Walter Reed CSM accused of faking his record". Navy Times. Springfield, Virginia. Archived from the original on 29 January 2013.
- ^ Cuningham, Henry (15 July 2010). "Dowd takes over 1st Theater Sustainment Command". The Fayetteville Observer. Fayetteville, North Carolina. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012.
- ^ "Vietnam War MOH recipient retires from the Army". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
Ferdinand Detres (22 May 2012). "News: Medal of Honor recipient retires after 44 years of service". 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Public Affairs. Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
- General references
- "Vietnam War War (M-Z); Roberts, Gordon Ray entry". Medal of Honor recipients. United States Army Center of Military History. 3 August 2009. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
- Huffman, Dale (8 November 2007). "Decorated soldier comes 'home' on Friday". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
- Kinney, Joseph (16 May 2007). "Our Youngest Hero". Military.com. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
- Huffman, Dale (28 June 2010). "Medical Center Brigade commander prepares to leave with pride in Walter Reed". Stripe. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2010.