For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion , Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese Forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. Shortly after his leader ordered a withdrawal upon discovering the the squad was partly cut off from their company as a result of their rapid advance along an exposed ridge during an aggressive attack on the strongly entrenched enemy, Private First Class Roan and his companions were suddenly engaged in a furious exchange of hand grenades with Japanese forces emplaced in a cave on higher ground and the rear of the squad. Seeking protection with four other Marines in a depression in the rocky, broken terrain, Private First Class Roan was wounded by an enemy grenade which fell close to their position and, immediately realizing the imminent peril to his comrades when another grenade landed in the midst of the group, unhesitatingly flung himself upon it, covering it with his body and absorbing the full impact of the explosion. By his prompt action and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of four men. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.
Harry S. Truman
President of the United States
Footnote: Private First Class Charles Howard Roan was born August 16, 1923 in Claude, Texas, son of Henry C. and Lillabel (Bacon) Roan, Sr.. He attended local schools , and was a member of the Methodist Church from the age of nine and worked at a Service Station after school and weekends. He went to California at age 17 to visit his brother, Henry C. Jr.. Charles volunteered for the Marine Corps in 1942 and entered the service in Texas. In June, 1943, he was sent to the Pacific. From October, 1943 until September , 1944 he participated in action in Eastern New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Palau Islands. PFC Roan served with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, on Peleliu Island. Charles was killed in action during this action and is buried at the A.B.M.C. Cemetery, Manila, Philippine Islands. A "Memory Marker" is located at the Claude Cemetery in Claude, Texas. His medals include the Purple Heart, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. A Texas Historic Marker has been placed on the Roan Family Plot in the Claude Cemetery. The Navy commissioned a Destroyer named in his honor.
Return
to Top of PageReturn
to Alphabetical Page Return
to Main Page