| ~ Hall of Heroes ~ Theodore Roosevelt All info and photos from this website. |
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On July 1, 1898, exposed as the only man on horseback, a target above the rest of the troops on foot, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt found his "crowded hour" as he led charges at Kettle Hill and San Juan Heights during the Battle of San Juan Heights in Cuba. Those who fought with him, both above and below him in rank, commended him for his bravery and leadership at the head of the Rough Rider unit which he helped to recruite and commanded in battle. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, an award which he felt very deeply that he deserved. |
LIEUTENANT COLONEL THEODORE ROOSEVELT UNITED STATES ARMY
receives the Medal of Honor posthumously. Accepting the award from the President on behalf of the Roosevelt family is great grandson Tweed Roosevelt.
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But the Colonel was denied. Why? Many speculate that it was "bad politics" and "good press" that cost TR that medal for so many years. Once the fighting war was over, the troops of all the regiments faced a different but very grave threat. Malaria, typhoid and yellow fever became the new enemies in Cuba. The various regimental commanders wished for their troops to be returned home quickly so no more would die of these diseases. But most were career officers, reluctant to complain openly to Washington. TR was not regular army. He did complain to both to Washington and to the press. Just as TR's complaints reached Washington, the Secretary of the Army and President McKinley gave orders to recall the troops. Theodore Roosevelt's criticisms while true, were embarrassing to the White House. The press heralded Colonel Roosevelt as a hero [nearly ignoring many regiments and individuals who also served well], and his name was quickly put into play for political advancement. He eventually became Governor of New York, Vice President and ultimately President. But much of his fame was gained in those last days of the war as the colorful Colonel. The people loved him, but Washington did not. Although several people in high positions campaigned for him to get the medal, it was not to happen in his life time. Over one hundred years later, he would finally be recognized for his bravery on that day. On January 16, 2001, Theodore Roosevelt became the first President to receive the Medal of Honor, the highest award for Military Service given in the United States. It is fitting that this man, who understood both war and peace so well becomes the only President to ever receive both the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest honor for actions in war as well as the Nobel Prize for Peace. |
Colonel Roosevelt surrounded by Rough Riders after the the Battle of San Juan Heights.
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CITATION awarding the Medal of Honor to Theodore Roosevelt: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to: LIEUTENANT COLONEL THEODORE ROOSEVELT UNITED STATES ARMY for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the Battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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