Meet your Soldier, your hero, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Roberts.
The date was July 11, 1969. Roberts was a rifleman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, sent to eliminate enemy bunkers along a ridge. While approaching the bunkers, his convoy was hit by heavy fire from automatic weapons and grenades. Moving quickly, he made his way from his immobilized platoon towards the closest bunker, firing while running. He silencing bunker after bunker. Despite the wave of enemy fire, he helped the wounded and continued fighting, finally returning to his unit.
Roberts’ actions not only saved the lives of Soldiers and helped defeat the enemy, but earned him a spot in history as a Medal of Honor recipient.
After serving four years in the Army, the veteran attended the University of Dayton and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He gained a wife, son and daughter. He raced sprint cars. He practiced social work for 18 years. By 1989, Roberts felt it was time to take a new path, one out of business attire. He applied for and received a direct commission as an Army officer.
“I left the (old) Army and came back to this one because this Army is much better,” Roberts said as he discussed the in today’s Soldiers and leadership.
Today, Lt. Col. Gordon Roberts leaves footprints in the sands of Kuwait and in the hearts and minds of today’s Soldiers as he offers experience and advice. He may be the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, but he sees himself as a comrade, a leader and developer of troops. He is commander of Troop Support Battalion, 1st Corps Support Command and head of Force Protection at Arifjan.
“I think everyone thinks a Medal of Honor somehow translates into leadership. I don’t think that is inherently accurate,” said Roberts as he smiled and took a sip of coffee. He says that actions speak louder than words.
Actions do indeed speak louder than words Sir, and we hear you loud and clear. Sgt Hook out.
Posted by Hook @ 1717 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Heroes & The Soldier
