The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*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 2 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 .
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