Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr., a soldier in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry on June 6, 1944 in Normandy Invasion, France during World War II. At the time he was serving with 4th Infantry Division. Roosevelt was 56 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on September 21, 1944 — the Pentagon, presented by Sec. of War Henry L. Stimson to his Widow.
Roosevelt was born on September 13, 1887 in Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York. Roosevelt died on July 12, 1944 in Normandy, France, at the age of 56. He is buried at A.B.M.C. Normandy Cemetery in St Laurent-sur-Mer, France. His medal is held by Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Cove Neck, NY.
Roosevelt is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor 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 two 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 strongpoints and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
How he died
- Awarded posthumously — died July 12, 1944.
- Manner of death: natural causes
- Cause of death: myocardial infarction
- Age at death: 56
- Resting place: A.B.M.C. Normandy Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I, World War II.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Offices held: Assistant Secretary of the Navy; Governor of Puerto Rico; Governor-General of the Philippines; member of the New York State Assembly
- Occupations: politician, governor, writer, businessperson
- Education: The Albany Academy, Groton School, Harvard College
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in New York →
Timeline
- September 13, 1887Born in Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York
- June 6, 1944Act of valor — Normandy Invasion, FranceAge 56. 4th Infantry Division
- July 12, 1944Died in Normandy, FranceAge 56.
- September 21, 1944Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyThe Pentagon, presented by Sec. of War Henry L. Stimson to his Widow
- Resting placeA.B.M.C. Normandy CemeterySt Laurent-sur-Mer
Biography
Theodore Roosevelt III ( ROH-zə-velt; September 13, 1887 – July 12, 1944), often known as Theodore Jr., was an American brigadier general and politician. He was the eldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt. Roosevelt is known for his World War II service, including the directing of troops at Utah Beach during the Normandy landings, for which he received the Medal of Honor. Roosevelt was educated at private academies and Harvard University; after his 1909 graduation from college, he began a successful career in business and investment banking.
From the Wikipedia article “Theodore Roosevelt Jr.”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- Culebra Island Giant Anole — taxon
- Roosevelt's muntjac — taxon
- Sphaerodactylus roosevelti — taxon
