First Lieutenant George Seanor Robb was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions between September 29 and 30, 1918 near Sechault, France during World War I. At the time he was serving with 369th Infantry, 93d Division. Robb was 31 years old.
10 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on April 16, 1919. Salina, Kansas, presented by Brig. Gen. W.H. Sage.
Robb was born on May 18, 1887 in Assaria, Saline County, Kansas. His Medal of Honor is credited to Salina, Saline County, Kansas. Robb died on May 14, 1972 in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 84. He is buried at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina, Kansas. His medal is held by Kansas State Historical Museum, Topeka, KS.
Robb is one of 132 Medal of Honor recipients from World War I and one of 31 credited to Kansas.
Official Medal of Honor citation
While leading his platoon in the assault, 1st Lt. Robb was severely wounded by machine-gun fire, but rather than go to the rear for proper treatment he remained with his platoon until ordered to the dressing station by his commanding officer. Returning within 45 minutes, he remained on duty throughout the entire night, inspecting his lines and establishing outposts. Early the next morning he was again wounded, once again displaying his remarkable devotion to duty by remaining in command of his platoon. Later the same day a bursting shell added two more wounds, the same shell killing his commanding officer and two officers of his company. He then assumed command of the company and organized its position in the trenches. Displaying wonderful courage and tenacity at the critical times, he was the only officer of his battalion who advanced beyond the town, and by clearing machine-gun and sniping posts contributed largely to the aid of his battalion in holding their objective. His example of bravery and fortitude and his eagerness to continue with his mission despite severe wounds set before the enlisted men of his command a most wonderful standard of morale and self-sacrifice.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
While leading his platoon in the assault, 1st Lt. Robb was severely wounded by machine-gun fire, but rather than go to the rear for proper treatment he remained with his platoon until ordered to the dressing station by his commanding officer.
Early the next morning he was again wounded, once again displaying his remarkable devotion to duty by remaining in command of his platoon.
His example of bravery and fortitude and his eagerness to continue with his mission despite severe wounds set before the enlisted men of his command a most wonderful standard of morale and self-sacrifice.
- Age at death: 84
- Resting place: Gypsum Hill Cemetery
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: Park University
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Kansas →
From the archives
The presentation of the George Robb's Medal of Honor took place at a city park in Salina, Kansas. According to the local paper, the Western Kansas Journal, over 15,000 people showed up for the ceremony, which included a parade and speeches by prominent locals and military officers.
Timeline
- May 18, 1887Born in Assaria, Saline County, Kansas
- September 29 - 30, 1918Act of valor — near Sechault, FranceAge 31. 369th Infantry, 93d Division
- April 16, 1919Medal of Honor presentedSalina, Kansas, presented by Brig. Gen. W.H. Sage
- May 14, 1972Died in Topeka, KansasAge 84.
- Resting placeGypsum Hill CemeterySalina, Kansas
Biography
George Seanor Robb (May 18, 1887 – May 14, 1972) was an officer in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I. He later served as the elected Republican Kansas State Auditor from 1935 to 1961.
From the Wikipedia article “George S. Robb”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
