Robert E. Simanek
Robert E. Simanek | |
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2nd Battalion 5th Marines | |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Robert Ernest Simanek (26 April 1930 – 1 August 2022)[1] was a United States Marine and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Korean War.
Early life
Simanek was born in Detroit, Michigan, on 26 April 1930.[2] He graduated from high school there in 1948 and worked for the Ford Motor Company and General Motors, before joining the United States Marine Corps on 13 August 1951.[3]
Marine Corps
Completing
Simanek was serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines,
Simanek received medical treatment aboard the hospital ship USS Haven and in Japan before being returned to the United States in September 1952. He then was hospitalized at Mare Island, California, and at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, until he was placed on the temporary disability retired list, 1 March 1953.[3]
The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a White House ceremony on 27 October 1953. He was the 36th Marine to receive the medal in the Korean War.[3]
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Simanek was also awarded the
Personal life
Simanek married Nancy Middleton in 1956. They remained married until her death in 2020. Together, they had one child, Ann.[2]
After retiring from the military, Simanek obtained a degree in business management from Wayne State University. He was then employed in the auto industry and by the Small Business Administration. Simanek died on 1 August 2022, in Novi, Michigan. He was 92 years old.[2]
His death leaves only 65 living recipients of the Medal of Honor.[2]
Awards and honors
Medal of Honor[2][5] | Purple Heart[2][5] | ||||
National Defense Service Medal[5] | Korean Service Medal w/ 2 service stars[5] | United Nations Korea Medal[5]
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Medal of Honor citation
Simanek's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F,
grenade was hurled into their midst, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and shielding his fellow Marines from serious injury or death. Gravely wounded as a result of his heroic action Private First Class Simanek, by his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[6]
On 15 January 2021 the
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- ^ Congressional Medal of Honor Society Announces Passing of Medal of Honor Recipient Robert E. Simanek at 92
- ^ a b c d e f Murphy, Brian (3 August 2022). "Robert Simanek, Medal of Honor recipient from Korean War, dies at 92". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f "PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT ERNEST SIMANEK, USMC (RETIRED)". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. United States Marine Corps History Division. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
- ISBN 978-1-57965-314-9.
- ^ a b c d e "PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT ERNEST SIMANEK, USMC (RETIRED)". Marine Corps University. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
- ^ "Medal of Honor Recipients – Korean War". Medal of Honor Citations. United States Army Center of Military History. 3 December 2010. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
- ^ "SECNAV Names Future Vessels while aboard Historic Navy Ship". United States Navy. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
External links
- Phalen, Lane. "Three Who Acted" Archived 14 June 2006 at the Wayback Machine, AMVETS Magazine, 2002. Retrieved 2006-06-23